BJP did not discuss cabinet expansion with Shiv Sena, says Uddhav Thackeray

Mumbai: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Monday said BJP central leadership has not held any discussion with him on the Union Cabinet expansion and that his party will not stand on anybody’s doors seeking favours. [caption id=“attachment_2873140” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Uddhave Thackeray. PTI[/caption] Asserting that his party will not beg for favours shedding self-respect, the Sena chief hinted that even in 2014 when the NDA swept to power, his party did not get its due. “At that time (the BJP) offered us Minister of State but then said we will get a Cabinet berth. We say whatever we get, we should get that with respect. We will not beg for anything. There have been no discussions with Delhi on Cabinet expansion,” he said. Thackeray said getting ministerial berths was a secondary issue for him and that he would put forward his views if discussions were to take place. “People from various political parties are joining the Shiv Sena. I have been busy attending to them and thus have not got the time to discuss the Cabinet expansion. One thing is clear though. The Sena will never stand helplessly on anybody’s doors asking for anything,” Thackeray said here. Referring to the Maharashtra Cabinet expansion, which according to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would happen before he leaves for his Russia tour early next week, the Sena chief said, “I and the CM have only had superficial discussions. I will announce the intricacies once a detailed discussion happens.” The much-talked about expansion of the Union Cabinet is set to take place Tuesday morning.