I Insisted Uddhav Thackeray To Become Maharashtra Chief Minister: Sharad Pawar
NDTV
"I forced him (Uddhav Thackeray) to become the chief minister. I have seen these people since their childhood. (Shiv Sena founder) Balasaheb Thackeray and I might have political differences but we were close," NCP president Sharad Pawar said.
NCP president Sharad Pawar on Saturday said he had insisted that Uddhav Thackeray become chief minister of Maharashtra after Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was formed two years ago, hours after BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis claimed Thackeray covertly nurtured ambitions to become a CM but kept talking about installing a "Shiv Sainik" on the post.
Speaking to reporters in Pimpri Chinchwad city in the Pune district, Mr Pawar reiterated his allegations that the Centre was misusing various agencies to destabilise the tripartite government of Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress in Maharashtra.
He said the BJP was "keeping mum" on the issue of rising prices of fuel and accused the party of not lowering rates of petrol and diesel despite a fall in the international prices of crude.
"Thackeray was selected by leaders of three parties (in the MVA). The MVA was formed by the contribution of many people including me. When we held a meeting to form the MVA and to discuss the leadership of the alliance, I forced him (Uddhav Thackeray) to become the chief minister. I have seen these people since their childhood. (Shiv Sena founder) Balasaheb Thackeray and I might have political differences but we were close."
