We are the new big brother, says Maharashtra BJP poll in-charge

Amid continuing stand-off with Shiv Sena, BJP's Maharashtra Assembly poll in-charge Om Mathur said his party was the new "big brother" in the state and others should not think themselves as bigger when "the people's verdict is otherwise".

"The people of Maharashtra have given us the mandate (to form government). A person or political party cannot think of themselves as bigger when the people's verdict is otherwise. In the current situation, we are the big brother," he told PTI.

Rubbishing media reports of Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray having demanded deputy chief minister's post and key portfolios like Home, Finance, Irrigation and PWD as a precondition for reuniting with BJP, Mathur said, "It is a figment of media's imagination."

"It is true that Uddhav Thackeray called up the prime minister and (BJP president) Amit Shah. He had called me as well. But it was just a courtesy call to congratulate us on our win. All these reports of him demanding ministries are completely baseless and bear no truth," he said.

When asked if BJP will accept NCP's offer of support to form the next government, Mathur said a decision will be taken by the Central Parliamentary board.

"We have won handsomely and, since we are short of just a few seats, it is usual for parties to come forward and extend us their support. But it is the Parliamentary Board of our party which will take a final call," Mathur said.

BJP supporters celebrate their poll victory in Maharashtra at the party’s Nariman Point office in Mumbai. Photograph: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com