No rift with BJP, but Shiv Sena will oppose Land Bill: Uddhav

Mumbai, March 5: Shiv Sena, which has been critical of the Narendra Modi Government over the Land Bill, on Wednesday sought to put an end to speculation about a rift with BJP and said its stand on policy decisions should not be seen as a "revolt" against its senior alliance partner.

Sena President Uddhav Thackeray said his party's stand on Government decisions is driven by concerns and welfare of people and it should not be seen from any other perspective.

Sena is part of the BJP-led Governments at the Centre and also in Maharashtra. "When I take a certain stand (on policy issues), it does not mean I have raised a banner of revolt (against BJP). I take a certain stand to ensure that expectations of people are fulfilled and people see a visible difference between this and the previous Government," he said.

Thackeray was talking to reporters on the sidelines of his meeting with Sena legislators ahead of the Budget session of Maharashtra legislature starting on March 9. Thackeray reiterated his party's "stiff" opposition to certain changes proposed in the Land Bill.

"Shiv Sena does not oppose the Land Acquisition Bill as a whole. But, there are certain provisions in the Bill that are detrimental to the interest of farmers. We will continue to oppose them stiffly," he said.

Sena: Shiv Sena does not oppose the Land Acquisition Bill as a whole

"The Sena MPs will write a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apprise him about the exact clauses of the Bill the party opposes. One thing is for sure, the Shiv Sena will not blindly support or oppose the Bill. We will continue to do whatever is in the interest of people."

Meanwhile, at the meeting, Thackeray told his legislators to start working to get a majority for the party in the next Assembly election, Sena sources said.

"Keep working for the welfare of people. Keep striving for the farmers affected due to drought and hailstorms," the sources quoted Thackeray as saying at the gathering.

PTI