If there's Modi wave, then why so many rallies by PM, asks Uddhav

Taking a dig at former ally Bharatiya Janata Party for announcing that Narendra Modi would hold poll rallies in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday said the prime minister would not have been invited to address the public if his party was confident of winning on the "Modi wave."

"There are so many statements coming from them (the BJP) that speak about Modi's plans to hold several rallies for the upcoming state assembly polls. I have nothing against Modi. But it is very clear that if there was indeed a 'Modi wave' in the state, they would not have asked him (Modi) to hold so many rallies. It is the first time that a PM will hold so many rallies before the assembly polls," Uddhav said.

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The Sena president was addressing reporters at his residence in Mumbai on the sidelines of a meeting with a delegation of Maharashtra Sikh Association workers, who have announced their support to his party for the October 15 state polls.

BJP general secretary and in-charge of party affairs in Maharashtra, Rajiv Pratap Rudy had on Tuesday said that Modi would address 22-24 election meetings across the state between October 4 and 13.

Dismissing speculations of a post-poll alliance with his estranged cousin Raj Thackeray, Uddhav said the call made by him to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief was out of "courtesy". "I did call Raj Thackeray to inquire about his health. But we have not met. It was just a courtesy call and if I call him to ask about his health, why is the health of some people deteriorating," he quipped.

When asked if Sena's lone minister in the Union cabinet Anant Geete will resign after Modi's return from the United States trip, Thackeray said a decision will be taken after holding consultations with the PM. "I cannot comment on what will happen in the future. But once Modi returns, we will have discussions with him, and based on that we will take a final call," he said.

Denying allegations that he had ordered Sena workers to ensure defeat of certain BJP leaders, Thackeray said he only wishes good for his opponents. "I do not wish ill for anyone. The Sena is fighting to win elections. I do not want any negative power by my side," he said.

The BJP has not only broken the alliance with the Shiv Sena, they have broken their ties with the very principles of Hindutva on the basis of which this partnership was formed, Uddhav said.

Image: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray