"If Rahul Gandhi accepts PM post, why would we object": Shiv Sena UBT's Sanjay Raut after LS poll results

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 5 (ANI): Sanjay Raut, the Shiv Sena leader from Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction, in a press conference, praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and conveyed the party's thoughts on the prospects of Rahul Gandhi's Prime Ministership.
Meanwhile, he also slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for not reaching the majority in the Lok Sabha Elections of 2024.
In a press conference, on the questions of Rahul Gandhi's prospects of becoming Prime Minister, the Shiv Sena UBT leader said, "If Rahul Gandhi is ready to accept the leadership, why would we object? He has proven himself as a national leader for multiple times. He is one of the popular leaders. We all want him and love him. There is no objection and difference in the alliance."
He further said, "Since the commencement of the elections, the INDIA alliance has no dissonance over the post of Prime Minister. This alliance has always fought to save democracy and the constitution from the dictatorial governance of the BJP and people have voted for us. Narendra Modi and Amit Shah should accept their defeat."
Taking a jibe at the BJP, Raut stated, "Since yesterday, I am noticing that they are iterating 'Modi ki Sarkaar - NDA Ki Sarkaar', but where is it? They were talking about bringing 'Modi Ki Sarkaar'. BJP hadn't got any majority. They have around 235-240 seats only."
Speaking about the support from Nitish Kumar's JDU and Chandrababu Naidu's TDP to the BJP-led NDA, Raut said, "The government they want to form with the support of two pillars - TDP (Telugu Desham Party) and JDU (Janata Dal-United), can be diminished at any moment. Modi Ji has lost the respect and the 'Modi Brand' is finished now. We don't want such a Prime Minister now."
He further said, "They have got the numbers of 235-240 with the support of ED (Enforcement Directorate) CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) and Income Tax Department. These numbers are achieved in the apprehension of these agencies."
On speculations of BJP-led NDA forming the government, the Shiv Sena UBT leader said, "Even if they want to form a government, they are welcomed because we live in a democracy and they also have the right to do preparations for forming a government. But, we also have a mandate of 250 seats and even we can also claim for the formation of government."
"BJP doesn't have a mandate. What if Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar decide to go ahead with democracy and work in a democratic system instead of their dictatorial regime? Whether it is Chandrababu Naidu or Nitish Kumar, both of them have always supported democracy and I don't think they will support dictatorship," Raut mentioned.
Amidst this press conference, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday extended support to the BJP and affirmed that he is "a part of NDA".
"I have seen so many political changes in the country. I am in NDA. I am going to the NDA meeting. If there is anything else, we will report to you," Naidu said, extending his support to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) while addressing a Press conference in Vijaywada.
Naidu is leaving for Delhi to attend a scheduled NDA meeting post the announcement of election results.
Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar is also heading toward Delhi to attend a scheduled NDA meeting post the announcement of election results.
Coincidentally, Nitish Kumar and his former INDIA ally and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav are flying in the same plane to Delhi.
The counting of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was held on Tuesday. According to the Election Commission of India, BJP won 240 seats, much lower than its 2019 tally of 303. The Congress, on the other hand, registered a strong growth winning 99 seats. The INDIA bloc crossed the 230 mark, posing stiff competition, and defying all predictions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has secured a third term, but the BJP will need the support of other parties in his coalition primarily -- JD (U) chief Nitish Kumar and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu. (ANI)