We support Pranab, but not Congress: Uddhav

A day after MiD DAY revealed that Shiv Sena had broken ranks and supported Pranab Mukherjee, (‘Tacit deal with Congress: Sena may back Pranab to keep Rane in check'), Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray confirmed that his party was supporting Pranabda and complained of the disunity in the NDA alliance.

Big day: Uddhav Thackeray, u00a0along with son Aaditya, and others celebrate the party's 46th formation day

Speaking at Shanmukhananda Hall, Matunga, on the 46th formation day of the party, Uddhav said that his choice for Pranabda was only because of a weak opposition. "The Opposition isn't united, we are strong in numbers but not united. I don't know whom to blame. It is a shame that as the Opposition we aren't able to find a suitable candidate for the post of President in a country whose population is 100 crore. Yes, we support Pranab Mukherjee, but in no way does our support extend to the Congress," said Uddhav Thackeray.

Sena tiger missing
And even though all the bigwigs of the party attended the event, the absence of Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray was hard to miss. Even though, the veteran leader opts to sit out of functions, his pre-recorded message is always played to the masses. However, that was not the case yesterday, as the Sena tiger opted to give the event a miss altogether. The event was a show of Uddhav Thackeray and his team including leaders like Sanjay Raut, Ramdas Kadam, Anil Desai, Mayor Sunil Prabhu and son and president of the Yuva Sena Aaditya Thackeray.

I said first: Ramdas Athawale said that if the alliance wins the majority in 2014 and if the Sena couldn't decide who to make the CM, then he's ready to occupy the chair. Pics/Satyajit Desai

Ambitions revealed
The event also revealed ambitions and the future of the party. Ramdas Athawale, RPI(A) president, an ally of the Sena, praised the Sena but at the same time also made his intentions clear. "If in 2014, the alliance wins the majority, and the Sena can't decide who to make the Chief Minister, I am ready to become the CM," said Athawale.u00a0