Uddhav Thackeray: Ready for one-nation one-election but PM, CMs, mins shouldn’t campaign

Shiv Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray is known for being vocal about his opinions, just like his father Balasaheb Thackeray. But there is a difference. Uddhav chooses his words wisely and sticks to the point. Recently, Uddhav had shared that he is ready for ‘one-nation and one-election’ idea, provided Prime Ministers, chief ministers and ministers stay away from electoral campaigns.

In the concluding part of the interview with Saamana, as reported in The Indian Express, the Sena chief stated that the idea of simultaneous polls is good but one can not fool voters for long. Targeting PM Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he said, “If they are looking at it to fool all people in one election as an opportunity, then it is a mistake. But to ensure free and fair polls, late Balasaheb, my father, had suggested that the PM, CM and ministers should stay away from election campaigning….”

Uddhav was of the opinion that just like government officials involved in elections are barred from voting, politicians holding the post of Prime Minister, chief ministers and ministers should be barred from election campaigning. He argued that just like government officials, politicians too are bound by regulations and it should be followed.

Unsatisfied with Devendra Fadnavis and Narendra Modi performance, Uddhav also reiterated that Shiv Sena would contest in all the 288 Assembly seats in Maharashtra in 2019. He added that PM Modi had failed to fulfill the promise made in 2014.

Expressing his view on proposed Ram Mandir in Ayodhaya, Uddhav said, “I don’t know when the construction will commence. But I have a desire to visit Ayodhya and Varanasi and will announce the plan shortly.” Adding, he would also see the progress of Ganga cleaning work.