“In the past, they used to say Islam is under threat, but now they are saying Hindus are under threat…to spread fear...Shiv Sena is being called Janab Sena. We have not given up Hindutva. Looking at the game, MIM has offered to join the MVA for no reason... This is the real trick. The MIM would make the offer and then BJP would launch a barrage of criticism saying Sena has walked away from Hindutva...We are not helpless for power like the BJP. It is unthinkable to go with MIM,” he said.

In a veiled reference to the probe against former CM Devendra Fadnavis in the alleged police transfer leak case, Thackeray said BJP leaders were angry though police were recording their statements and were alleging murder of democracy. He also hit out at governor BS Koshyari for not approving MVA’s 12 nominations to the state legislative council. “They said after the suspension of 12 MLAs...the Supreme Court gave them justice. But...the SC did not strike down the powers nor did it set aside the suspension, it only reduced the period…These things need to be presented to the people. Wasn’t democracy murdered when the governor delayed the 12 MLC nominations recommended by the cabinet?”

(With inputs from agencies)