The Shiv Sena has called a national executive meeting today. CM Uddhav Thackeray will reportedly attend the meeting through the video conference.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and other party leaders, met Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray at ‘Matoshree’ to find a way out of the ongoing political crisis due to rebellion in Shiv Sena by a group of MLAs led by Eknath Shinde. 

Uddhav Thackeray reportedly told the party functionaries that I might have left Varsha but that does not mean I have given up on my determination. I had not even dreamt of getting this post (the CMs chair). I was never tempted by that position. If someone asks me in a dream whether it is Varsha (the CM’s official residence) or Matoshri (The seat of the Shiv Sena’s), I would answer that I prefer Matoshri.

Uddhav narrated the ordeal he underwent for second time of his neck surgery the opponents tried to take advantage of this.

He said during ticket distribution in Assembly elections some MLAs were adamant that even if their ticket is cancelled, they will not leave the Shiv Sena. But now that they are gone, let them go. Many complained about the lack of funding.

I have been working on allocating funds equitably. After the revolt in Shiv Sena (previous splits in the party), we came to power twice and both times, I gave these people important posts, he added.

Take as many MLAs as you want but as long as the roots planted by Balasaheb are present, Shiv Sena will not end. The ones that left were never mine. The original Shiv Sena is with me. Let them go, he reportedly said.