Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 31: Shiv Sena leader Sachin Ahir has dismissed Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut's claim that ministers and MLAs of the Eknath Shinde faction are worried over arguments made by Uddhav Thackeray's lawyers in the Supreme Court.
Raut had claimed that the Shinde faction was under increasing pressure as the Supreme Court was likely to deliver a verdict in favour of the Thackeray faction. Responding to the remarks, Ahir said there was no need to attach importance to Raut's statements as only one side of the matter had been heard by the Supreme Court so far.
Speaking to the media, Ahir said preliminary discussions had been held regarding the Mumbai District Central Co-operative Bank and that efforts were underway to form a team under the leadership of Shrikant Shinde.
"There are several issues pending in Mumbai Bank. It is important to address them from the perspective of providing justice to people. There are some shortcomings. Instructions have been given to prepare a panel as per the directions of Shrikant Shinde and Eknath Shinde. This is all at a preliminary stage. No official announcement has been made yet. An assessment will certainly be carried out," Ahir said.
On the Mumbai mayoral election, Ahir said the issue had not been discussed with him in detail. He said all alliance partners would have to be given a fair share once the senior leaders sat together.
"No single party has complete control in the government. We are contesting as Mahayuti. Everyone must get justice. Whether it is our party or the NCP, wherever the BJP is strong, the BJP will have its role," he said.
On the proposed delimitation of constituencies, Ahir said Pune and Mumbai were large districts and that the number of constituencies could increase significantly following delimitation.
He said the number of constituencies in Mumbai could rise to around 45, while the number of constituencies in the two major districts could also increase. Ahir stressed the need to strengthen the party organisation in both Mumbai and Pune.
"Our job is to strengthen those who are already working in Pune and expand the organisation. As we are in an alliance, the distribution of power is equal for everyone, and it will remain so in the future," he said.
Ahir also responded to NCP leader Supriya Sule's remarks calling for the party to be handed back to Sharad Pawar.
He said the matter was pending before the court and that the final decision had to be taken by the judiciary.
"The court has to decide this. The matter is sub judice. It cannot be decided on the basis of emotions. The judiciary exists in a democracy. Not much time is left. One side has been heard in the Supreme Court. After the other side is heard, the Supreme Court will deliver its decision," Ahir said.
Asked whether ministers and MLAs of the Shinde faction were scared following the arguments in the Supreme Court, Ahir said there was no point in paying attention to Raut's social media posts.
"There is no point in listening to Sanjay Raut's tweets. Such meetings have taken place several times before, so there is no need to look at this meeting differently. One side has presented its case, and the other side is yet to present its arguments," he said.
Ahir added that the Supreme Court's decision would be binding on both sides and stressed that there was no scope for political interference in the judicial process.
"Just as the decision is binding on them, it is binding on us too. There can be no political interference in this, nor can anyone attempt or intend to interfere," he said.