Uddhav gave me remote control of govt: Maharashtra CM

CM Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray laying foundation stones for various projects on the birth anniversery of Bal Thackeray, on Saturday. — Shripad Naik

In an apparent jibe at Shiv Sena ministers, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that Uddhav Thackeray has given the remote control of the state government in his hand and other ministers must understand it. Speaking at an event organised on the occasion of Bal Thackeray’s birth anniversary, the CM in presence of Uddhav Thackeray said that it was the responsibility of leaders from both parties — BJP and Shiv Sena — to ensure that the alliance government runs smoothly for five years in Maharashtra.

“Now that Uddhav Thackeray has handed over the remote control (of power) to me, other ministers should also understand this,” the CM said.

Expressing confidence that his government will complete its full term, Mr Fadnavis said, “This alliance (BJP-Shiv Sena) government will govern the state for the full five year term, irrespective of what some may say or think. I am confident that because of Mr (Uddhav) Thackeray’s cooperation, we will complete five years term and do a good work for the people.”

In the event, the state road transport corporation (MSRTC) unveiled ‘Shivshahi’ luxury bus service. Mr Thackeray lauded Maharashtra transport minister Diwakar Raote of Sena for introducing the bus service. “Looking at the work being done by the transport department, one can sense that the government has changed. Continue the good work. We have to take Shivshahi (term used by Sena-BJP for their alliance government) in every village in the state,” Mr Thackeray said.

Mr Raote announced eight schemes named after Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, including an air-conditioned bus service scheme which would add 500 buses to the fleet. Uddhav Thackeray said, “Some people are feeling jealous because of the name of Shiv Sena chief given to some of the schemes. But we don’t have to answer to them, our work will speak for itself.”

Speaking about the launch of AC bus service, Mr Raote said, “Facilities like Wi-Fi service, GPS, mobile-laptop chargers, 9 inch LED screen, bed-sheet, hand-towel, pillow and blanket would be provided to passengers in these sleeper coaches. Their fares would be moderate.”

The service would be made available for Marathwada, Vidarbha and Konkan regions too, Mr Raote informed. He also announced increased compensation for ST accident victims. The kin of dead would now get Rs 10 lakh, those who suffer permanent disability would get Rs 5 lakh, for partial disability Rs 2.5 lakh and for temporary disability Rs 1 lakh.

“This is an insurance scheme and we shall charge Rs 1 as surcharge on every ticket,” the minister said, terming it a Rs 10 lakh insurance at the cost of Rs 1. Every girl born to an MSRTC employee would be given Rs 1 lakh on her 21st birthday as a gift for her marriage. A super-speciality hospital would be set up at Pune for MSRTC employees.

All these schemes will bear Thackeray’s name, with the adjectives ‘Hindu Hriday Samrat and ‘Shiv Sena Pramukh’. “Both the adjectives were integral part of his identity,” said the minister, responding to a query in this regard.