MUMBAI: Restive MLAs, especially from Western Maharashtra, may prove to be headache for the Shiv Sena leadership ahead of the Monsoon Session of the state assembly. While the MLAs have said that there is resentment over cabinet berths, the party leadership has completely denied it.
Shiv Sena has 10 MLAs from Western Maharashtra. They are not happy with the party leadership, as the cabinet berths have all gone to legislative council members, sources have said. When asked, Rajesh Kshirsagar, Shiv Sena MLA from Kolhapur, agreed that there is resentment within the MLAs. However, he was quick to clarify that this doesn't mean there is a revolt against the party leadership.
"We are well aware about the compulsions of the party leadership. We understand that everyone can't be satisfied. Moreover, Shiv Sena is a disciplined party. Even if there are any issues, we shall speak it out with the party leadership," the Kashirsagar said.
While speaking about the problems faced by the MLAs, Kshirsagar said that many a times MLAs are worried when works from their constituency are stuck and are not helped by the ministers to resolve the issue. There are several other challenges also.
The BJP has a strong leader like Chandrakant Patil who is trying to build the party in Western Maharashtra. To counter him the Shiv Sena needs to support some local MLA to give a boost to the party in the region, said another MLA who doesn't want to be named.The Shiv Sena leadership declined any comments over the issue.