Shinde rebuffs CM's latest appeal to rebels to return

With a floor test looming, the Shiv Sena changed track from its offensive to reclaim the party to an emotional appeal by chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, asking the rebels to return and talk.

- Priyanka Kakodkar

Mumbai: The appeal came a few hours after rebel leader Eknath Shinde said his group would soon be returning to Mumbai. In his statement, CM Thackeray said, "You have been stuck in Guwahati for the last few days. In your mind you are still Shiv Sainiks and many of you are in touch with us."

"As head of the Shiv Sena family, I respect your feelings and want to tell you from the heart that there is still time. I appeal to all of you to sit in front of me and get rid of the doubts in the minds of Shiv Sainiks and the public. We will sit together and find a way out."

In a reference to the possibility of the rebels joining the BJP, said, "The respect given to you by the Shiv Sena, you will not find anywhere else." He said as head of the family, he was worried about them and urged them to come and talk. Meanwhile, Thackeray chaired a cabinet meeting in Mantralaya on Tuesday, the first after nine rebel ministers were divested of their portfolios.