Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has rebuked Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's recent suggestion of leaving the BJP and joining the opposition as "immature and ridiculous." Gadkari dismissed Thackeray's offer, stating that there was no need for concern regarding BJP leaders. He emphasized that the BJP follows a systematic approach in ticket distribution for candidates.
Gadkari's response came after Thackeray, addressing a rally in Maharashtra's Yavatmal, expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of Gadkari's name in BJP's first list of candidates. Thackeray urged Gadkari to join the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, promising him a ministerial post with powers in their government.
In a separate instance on March 8, Thackeray suggested that Gadkari should resign instead of bowing before Delhi, asserting that he should demonstrate Maharashtra's mettle.
Reacting to Thackeray's offer, Gadkari clarified that discussions on ticket distribution in Maharashtra for the Lok Sabha elections were ongoing. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis also criticized Thackeray's proposal, likening it to a layman offering someone to become the US president.
The BJP recently unveiled its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, featuring prominent leaders like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Smriti Irani. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will contest from the Varanasi seat in Uttar Pradesh.