If a tea-seller can become PM, I too can become CM, says Uddhav Thackeray

If a tea-seller can become PM, I too can become CM

MUMBAI: Pitching himself for the top post in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said if a tea-seller can rise to be the country's Prime Minister, he too can become the state chief minister.

"It is true that the Thackerays have never fought elections. But we have never backed out from responsibilities. If a common man like (Narendra) Modi, who started off as a chaiwala (tea-seller) goes on to become the PM, I can become the CM as well," Thackeray said in an interview to his party mouthpiece Saamana.

READ ALSO: Maharashtra elections 2014: Maharashtra will have a BJP chief minister, says state party chief Devendra Fadnavis

Criticizing the BJP, Thackeray said central ministers who have been campaigning for the party now, will forget Maharashtra post elections.

"A contingent of central ministers have been brought in to campaign for the party for the (Maharashtra) elections. But they will not come back post elections. It is only the Sena that will stay here and continue to work for the people and people do realise this," he said.

Maharashtra elections 2014: Maharashtra will have a BJP chief minister, says state party chief Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra elections 2014

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra will have a BJP chief minister, state party chief Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday. 

Talking to reporters on assembly election results, Maharashtra BJP chief said the party had made impressive gains in the state despite contesting the elections alone. 

BJP is all set to emerge as the single largest party in Maharashtra, but may fall short of majority. 

With trends indicating a hung assembly in the state, there are already talks of reconciliation between BJP and Shiv Sena. 

The 25-year-old allies separated on a bitter note ahead of the assembly elections over seat sharing.

And with Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray earlier openly staking claim for the chief minister's post, it remains to be seen how the two parties reconcile their differences.

READ ALSO: If a tea-seller can become PM, I too can become CM, says Uddhav Thackeray 

Shiv Sena has said it will consider BJP's proposal on government formation in Maharashtra once it is made as they have "no bitterness". 

"Once they (BJP) submit a proposal for a stable government in the interest of Maharashtra, Sena president Uddhav Thackeray will take a decision, whatever that may be, after considering all factors," Sena MP Anil Desai said. 

"We have no bitterness. If there is a proposal, we will consider it," Desai, who was part of the failed seat-sharing talks with BJP ahead of the assembly poll, said. 

Amid reports that NCP had sent feelers to BJP for extending support, Desai said, "NCP has been rejected by the people of Maharashtra. If BJP ties up with NCP, it will be a betrayal of the people of Maharashtra." 

Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said, "We have seen the trends. They show BJP is getting more seats, which is okay. But Sena is also doing well. I will comment on our stance after a clear picture emerges after 2pm," Raut said. 

Jayalalitha Reaches Chennai, released from Central Prison in Bangalore

                           Amma in chennai

CHENNAI/BANGALORE: Former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalitaa who was released from the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bangalore arrived in Chennai on Saturday evening to a grand welcome from thousands of her supporters.