On a combative note, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray challenged dissident leader Eknath Shinde and the BJP on Friday night to try and take away the Shiv Sena cadre and supporters, as well as accused the BJP of trying to put an end to the Sena.
He described the common Shiv Sena members as his "wealth" and said he didn't worry about criticism from others as long as they were with him in a virtual address to party corporators.
He claimed that the Shiv Sena had been "betrayed by its own people" since his government was in disarray following the majority of Sena MLAs joining Eknath Shinde, who is currently camped out in Guwahati.
"Despite the fact that many of you were candidates for the same office, we handed these rebels tickets to run in the assembly elections. These people are unhappy because they were elected because to your efforts, and you are supporting the party at this critical juncture. I'm really grateful to you, "The Shiv Sena's president, Thackeray, spoke to party members.
"I had instructed Eknath Shinde to investigate grievances involving alliance partners. He informed me that he was being pressured by lawmakers to work with the BJP. I asked him to bring these MLAs over so we could talk about it. The BJP mistreated us and broke its promises. Cases have been brought against many of the rebels. So, if they join the BJP, they will become morally upright; if they stick with us, they will serve time in prison. Is this a friendly gesture? Mr. Thackery enquired.
"You should go if a Shiv Sena member is going to become the chief minister" (with the BJP). However, you should have let me know if you were ultimately going to become the deputy chief minister, he said, apparently referring to Shinde.