Shiv Sena’s rebel leader Eknath Shinde on Wednesday countered Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s emotional appeal by terming the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) as an “unnatural coalition”. The rebel leader also said that it is essential for the Shiv Sena to get out of it for its survival.

The MVA weakened when Shiv Sainiks and the party, while the other partners prospered, Eknath Shinde posted a tweet adding that whatever decision will be taken now will be in the interest of Maharashtra.

Also read: MVA crisis: 5 big takeaways from CM Uddhav Thackeray’s speech to Shiv Sena

About 48 hours after Eknath Shinde leaving Maharashtra with his group of supporters, Uddhav Thackeray made a live address in which he said he does not hanker after any post and is ready to relinquish both the posts of the CM and the party chief if his party MLAs decide.

The Maharashtra CM said he is ready with his resignation letter but the MLAs of his party who have declared this open rebellion must tell him on his face that they do not trust him anymore.

Also read: MVA crisis: Uddhav Thackeray ready to resign from CM post if any rebel MLAs demand

However, Uddhav made a strong pitch for Hindutva, the main plank of Eknath Shinde’s rebellion, and said it is a misconception that today’s Sena is different from Balasaheb Thackeray’s Sena.

Also read: Will Eknath Shinde be the new face of Shiv Sena?

On Wednesday, Uddhav Thackeray tested positive for Covid-19. He also reportedly met NCP chief Sharad Pawar after his live address. It was reported that as Uddhav insisted on a Sena chief minister, there was a discussion to make Eknath Shinde the chief minister, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, however, denied the reports and said Uddhav Thackeray will remain the chief minister.