Despite open differences, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena on Monday announced that they will be fighting the 2019 Lok Sabha and the state assembly elections together.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, with BJP president Amit Shah and Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray made the announcement at a press conference.
“The BJP will contest on 25 seats and the Shiv Sena will fight on 23 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections,” said Fadnavis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Our association with the @ShivSena goes beyond politics. We are bound by a desire to see a strong and developed India. The decision to contest together strengthens the NDA significantly. I am sure our alliance is going to be Maharashtra’s first and only choice!”
“Inspired by the vision of Atal Ji and Balasaheb Thackeray Ji, BJP-Shiv Sena alliance will continue working for the well-being of Maharashtra and ensuring the state once again elects representatives who are development oriented, non-corrupt and proud of India’s cultural ethos,” Modi added.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted, “With our Rashtriya Adhyaksh @AmitShah ji, met @ShivSena leader Uddhav Thackeray ji at Matoshree and then interacted with media.”
“We all karyakratas are glad that #BJPShivSena has once again decided to play a nationalist role in the interest of nation, citizens & farmers, towards commitment for development and to strengthen hands to elect our Hon PM @narendramodi ji to lead our great Nation yet again!” Fadnavis added.
