Uddhav Thackeray Doubts Exit Polls

Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray today appeared to disagree with exit polls predicting a clear victory for the BJP in Gujarat.

There is a big difference between the political atmosphere prevalent in Gujarat and the exit poll results, said Thackeray, whose party shares an uneasy relationship with its ruling ally BJP.

"The exit polls have predicted a clear victory for the BJP (in Gujarat). However, the exit poll predictions are not agreeable to us. The final result will be out on Monday and everyone has to accept it," he said.

The Sena leader was speaking to reporters at his residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra. "There is a big difference between the atmosphere prevalent in Gujarat and the predictions of exit polls," he added.

The exit polls released after the December 14 voting have given a clear majority for the BJP in the 182-member Gujarat assembly. Almost all exit polls predicted more than 100 seats for the BJP in the state where the party is in power for over two decades.

Congratulating Rahul Gandhi for taking over as Congress president, Thackeray said he worked hard for the Gujarat elections and hoped he fulfils the aspirations of his party workers.

"I hope he fulfils the trust of his party cadres," he said. Taking a dig at the BJP, he said the country expected a lot from the NDA lead party, but it has not been able to tackle issues like farm loan waiver and unemployment.

"The Sena did not change its colours after coming to power. Our stand remains clear (on issues of public importance). Nobody should teach us what should we do," he said. Asked if the post of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra was offered to the Sena by the BJP, he replied in the negative.

When asked about Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray's statement that the Sena will forgo power within a year's time, Thackeray said, "He is right. If issues like loan waiver, electrification, unemployment persist, why should we continue to support the BJP?" The Sena is part of the BJP-led ruling coalitions in Maharashtra as well as at the Centre. (PTI)