Shiv Sena Will Contest All Future Elections in Goa, Says Aaditya Thackeray

“Shiv Sena had not concentrated on Goa in the past due to its friendship with BJP," Thackeray said.

File image of Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray.

(Photo: The Quint)

Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray said that his party will be contesting all future polls in Goa.

Although the party hadn't concentrated in Goa earlier owing to its friendship with the BJP, Thackeray said that this will change now since the saffron party has “backstabbed” the Shiv Sena.

Addressing a press conference in Panaji, he said, “Shiv Sena had not concentrated on Goa in the past due to its friendship with BJP. But considering the political developments, in which BJP back-stabbed Sena, we have decided to contest all future elections in Goa. We will contest panchayat, Assembly and Lok Sabha polls from here... Goa needs Shiv Sena."

The Sena is contesting the 14 February Goa Assembly elections in alliance with the NCP. The party has fielded 10 candidates in the state for the elections this time.

"This election is not about the future of Shiv Sena, but about the locals and their future," Thackeray said, adding that the party was getting a good response from Goa.

Taking a dig at BJP, he said, "Issues like water and electricity supply are still being faced by the people. If this is the case, then we fail to understand whether the state has made progress or (only) the leaders have progressed."

(With inputs from PTI)