BJP sidelines smaller allies

Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, December 5

The BJP has marginalised its smaller allies with whom it had a pre-poll alliance in Maharashtra after it patched up with the Shiv Sena.

“None of the smaller allies will be included in the Cabinet today. But they are important to us because they are our allies,” Fadnavis told reporters here before the new ministers were sworn in today.

Barring the Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, which won a single seat in the Assembly polls, none of the other parties opened their account. However, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana leader Raju Shetti and Republican Party of India (A)’s Ramdas Athavale are hoping to be accommodated in the government.

Leaders of these outfits are also looking for chairmanships of corporations though they will face a tough competition from BJP leaders in the state.