Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 5 (HBTV): Sanjay Raut, the Shiv Sena leader from Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction, in a press conference, praised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and spoke about the party's thoughts on the prospects of Rahul Gandhi becoming the prime minister.  

Responding to queries about Gandhi's prospect of becoming prime minister, during a press conference, the Shiv Sena UBT leader said, "If Rahul Gandhi is ready to accept the leadership, why would we object? He has proven himself as a national leader for multiple times. He is one of the popular leaders. We all want him and love him. There is no objection and difference in the alliance."  

"Since the commencement of the elections, the INDIA alliance has no dissonance over the post of prime minister. This alliance has always fought to save democracy and the constitution from the dictatorial governance of the BJP and people have voted for us. Narendra Modi and Amit Shah should accept their defeat."   

Taking a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party, Raut stated, "Since yesterday, I am noticing that they are iterating 'Modi ki Sarkaar - NDA Ki Sarkaar' (Hindi for government) but where is it? They were talking about bringing 'Modi Ki Sarkaar'. BJP hadn't got any majority. They have around 235-240 seats only." 

Speaking about the support from Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United and Chandrababu Naidu's Telgu Desam Party to the BJP-led NDA, Raut said, "The government they want to form with the support of two pillars - TDP and JDU -U, can be diminished at any moment. Modi Ji has lost the respect and the 'Modi Brand' is finished now. We don't want such a Prime Minister now." 

Raut said further: "They have got the numbers of 235-240 with the support of ED (Enforcement Directorate) CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) and Income Tax Department. These numbers are achieved in the apprehension of these agencies."   

On speculations about the BJP-led NDA forming the government, the Shiv Sena UBT leader said, "Even if they want to form a government, they are welcomed because we live in a democracy and they also have the right to do preparations for forming a government. But, we also have a mandate of 250 seats and even we can also claim for the formation of government."  

"BJP doesn't have a mandate. What if Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar decide to go ahead with democracy and work in a democratic system instead of their dictatorial regime? Whether it is Chandrababu Naidu or Nitish Kumar, both of them have always supported democracy and I don't think they will support dictatorship," Raut said. 

(ANI) This is a syndicated news feed. HBTV has edited it for clarity.