Nitin Gadkari Rejects Uddhav Thackeray’s Invite Amid BJP’s Maharashtra Seat-Sharing Talks

Amid the ongoing seat-sharing discussions within Maharashtra‘s political landscape, Nitin Gadkari, the Road Transport and Highways Minister, has turned down Uddhav Thackeray‘s invitation to join the Shiv Sena (UBT) party, terming it as “immature and ridiculous”.

Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), persistently extended the invitation to Gadkari, urging him to consider moving to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition if he felt undervalued within the BJP, promising to secure his victory in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Gadkari rebutted the suggestion, highlighting that BJP follows a systematic approach in candidate selection, dismissing Thackeray’s concerns about the party’s decision-making.

The Maharashtra opposition coalition, comprising key players like Sharad Pawar-led NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Congress, has been active in presenting itself as a formidable force ahead of the elections.

Attempting to tilt the political balance, Thackeray made the offer to Gadkari even before the BJP’s candidacy discussions had been finalized.

Recent remarks by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reflected a dismissive tone towards Thackeray’s offer to Gadkari, comparing it to an unrealistic suggestion akin to handing over the US president’s position casually.