Sanjay Raut, the Shiv Sena leader from Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction, in a press conference, praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and conveyed the party’s thoughts on the prospects of Rahul Gandhi’s Prime Ministership.
Meanwhile, he also slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for not reaching the majority in the Lok Sabha Elections of 2024.
In a press conference, on the questions of Rahul Gandhi‘s prospects of becoming Prime Minister, the Shiv Sena UBT leader said, “If Rahul Gandhi is ready to accept the leadership, why would we object? He has proven himself as a national leader for multiple times. He is one of the popular leaders. We all want him and love him. There is no objection and difference in the alliance.”
He further said, “Since the commencement of the elections, the INDIA alliance has no dissonance over the post of Prime Minister. This alliance has always fought to save democracy and the constitution from the dictatorial governance of the BJP and people have voted for us. Narendra Modi and Amit Shah should accept their defeat.”
Taking a jibe at the BJP, Raut stated, “Since yesterday, I am noticing that they are iterating ‘Modi ki Sarkaar – NDA Ki Sarkaar’, but where is it? They were talking about bringing ‘Modi Ki Sarkaar’. BJP hadn’t got any majority. They have around 235-240 seats only.”
Speaking about the support from Nitish Kumar’s JDU and Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP to the BJP-led NDA, Raut said, “The government they want to form with the support of two pillars – TDP (Telugu Desham Party) and JDU (Janata Dal-United), can be diminished at any moment. Modi Ji has lost the respect and the ‘Modi Brand’ is finished now. We don’t want such a Prime Minister now.”
He further said, “They have got the numbers of 235-240 with the support of ED (Enforcement Directorate) CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) and Income Tax Department. These numbers are achieved in the apprehension of these agencies.”
On speculations of BJP-led NDA forming the government, the Shiv Sena UBT leader said, “Even if they want to form a government, they are welcomed because we live in a democracy and they also have the right to do preparations for forming a government. But, we also have a mandate of 250 seats and even we can also claim for the formation of government.”
“BJP doesn’t have a mandate. What if Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar decide to go ahead with democracy and work in a democratic system instead of their dictatorial regime? Whether it is Chandrababu Naidu or Nitish Kumar, both of them have always supported democracy and I don’t think they will support dictatorship,” Raut mentioned.
Amidst this press conference, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday extended support to the BJP and affirmed that he is “a part of NDA”.
“I have seen so many political changes in the country. I am in NDA. I am going to the NDA meeting. If there is anything else, we will report to you,” Naidu said, extending his support to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) while addressing a Press conference in Vijaywada.
Naidu is en route to Delhi for a scheduled NDA meeting following the announcement of election results. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar is also on his way to Delhi for the same meeting post the election results announcement. Interestingly, Nitish Kumar and his former ally from the INDIA bloc, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, happen to be travelling together to Delhi.
The counting of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections took place on Tuesday. According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP secured 240 seats, a notable decrease from its 2019 tally of 303. Conversely, the Congress demonstrated significant growth, winning 99 seats. The INDIA bloc exceeded the 230 mark, presenting formidable competition and defying expectations.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has secured a third term, the BJP will require support from other parties in his coalition, primarily JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu.
