We don't believe in the politics of pressure.: Devendra Fadnavis

The BJP's national president Amit Shah clarified that the state assembly elections will be fought under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis, who has so far failed to crack the stalemate over the seat-sharing row. In a candid interview, Fadnavis discusses the problems but retains a very positive outlook.

Q - For the first time, BJP is pressurizing Shiv Sena for seats. Is it because of Modi's thumping LS victory?
A - We don't believe in the politics of pressure. This election, the wave which was created by Modiji translated into votes and we were mere cogs in the wheel. The Saffron alliance also benefited from this wave which cannot be ruled out.

Q – But Sena has ruled out Modi wave in the LS victory
A – I don't think they (Shiv Sena) can ever rule out this fact. Even if they are doing so, they should avoid it. When Sena leaders made inappropriate statements against Modiji and when the party's mouthpiece Saamna started publishing editorials against him, we brought this issue to the notice of Uddhav Thackeray. Uddhavji had promised that such things will be restrained.

Q – Is ego creating a rift between two parties
A – We have a long-lasting alliance and there is no room for ego. There are several instances where we have had all kinds of problems and we have sorted them eventually. The issue here is about sparing the seats from their kitty. In the Lok Sabha elections we have given six sitting seats to them. As per that calculation, we are entitled to at least 36 seats in the assembly election.

Q – Does the BJP want to come out of 'big brother' Sena's shadow?
A – We are brothers in alliance and we will walk together hand-in-hand. Our saffron alliance is based on ideologies and not on any other arrangements. We also have to understand the ground realities and what people expect. Votes always tilt towards which government comes at the centre and we have to plan our strategy likewise.

Q – Raj Thackeray extended his support in LS polls. What now?
A – Raj Thackeray's support during the LS election was out of respect for Modiji. However, we both (BJP and MNS) were clear that MNS will fight the assembly polls. In case of municipal corporation or zilla parishad elections, local units have decision-making power.

Q – What will your manifesto include?
A – We will not give false hopes or portray an unachievable dream. We have our plans and strategies to ensure that we deliver on our claims. We have the political will to translate the plans into reality. Prime minister Narendra Modi has already shown us the path of curtailing red tape and extending the red carpet for investors which will strengthen our state. We don't have problem with finances but the money should be used in a proper way without any delays.

Q - Who is the leader of the saffron alliance
A - Only and only Narendra Modi will endorse the name of who will the leader of the grand alliance in Maharashtra will be, irrespective of whether he is from the BJP or Sena. We all will have to accept Modi's call on the leadership.