In his first reaction to Maharashtra Assembly election results, which showed a clear majority for the ruling coalition, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said he wasn't desperate for power, adding the two saffron parties will soon work out a formula to lead the state.
It was, however, his reaction to the question of the next chief minister that caught everyone's attention. When asked, Thackeray said, "It's an important question", without elaborating any further.
According to the latest trends, Sena was leading on 58 seats, down from 63 in the 2014 elections. In what could be construed as a veiled attack on partner BJP, Thackeray said the results were "an eye-opener" for many.
"The people have kept alive democracy in this election. The mandate given by them is an eye-opener for all the parties in the state. We bow down to the votes given by the people in our favour and will work with the same attitude for them," Thackeray said.
Expressing satisfaction over the decisive win of his son Aaditya Thackeray from Worli seat, he said: "As a parent, I am proud of Aaditya's victory and I love the fact that the people have given him their support."
Thackeray reiterated that Sena had contested fewer seats on BJP's request, but it can't be so accommodating all the time. The Congress-NCP combine, despite infighting and defections, put up a great show, leading in over 100 seats.
The BJP's tally, which stood at122 seats in the 2014 elections, has come down to 99, according to the latest trends.
While the NCP was leading in 56 seats, the Congress was ahead in 45.
Giving the Opposition a word of advice, Thackeray urged it not to sleep for the next 5 years as they were in the past 5 years.
