 "Raj targerts Modi for campaigning instead of bringing 'acche din'")
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for campaigning in the assembly elections in Maharashtra instead of bringing acche din (good days) in the country.
''It was but natural for Modi to be passionate about Gujarat. However, he should have changed after assuming the office of Prime Minister. Modi should have focused on fulfillment of his poll promise to bring acche din (good days) in the country,'' Raj told reporters here today few hours before the campaigning for the election to the 288 member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly ended.
Raj however, said despite his criticism against Modi during poll campaign he is Modi's fan especially the way he has carried out development in Gujarat. Raj declined to comment on 140 days of Modi led government saying that he needs to be given time to perform.
On BJP's sterling performance in the Lok Sabha election, Raj said '' It is 25% each due to Modi and voters but 50% due to the Congress party.'' MNS chief informed that he was not inclined to put up candidates in the Lok Sabha election due to lack of conviction. However, MNS fought 10 seats due to various factors.
As far as assembly poll is concerned, Raj said voters' support for his party's blue print for Maharashtra is increasing day by day. ''During the assembly poll there is a conviction and I am appealing to give a majority to MNS as they have already tried Congress, NCP, BJP and Shiv Sena,'' he added. Raj came down heavily on the 15 year rule of Congress and NCP saying that Maharashtra has come to a standstill.
To a question on ploy by national parties such as Congress and BJP to reduce the importance of regional parties, Raj said he is of the view that let BJP for instance rule at the national level while regional parties in states. ''Let states should get an autonomy so that they can take various decisions on their own to boost development,'' he noted.
On patch up with his estranged cousin brother and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, Raj said let time decides. ''Last week I had on oath told you what was transpired between me and Uddhave for pre poll alliance with Shiv Sena but it could not happen due to lack of response from Uddhav,'' he added.