She said, “People who wanted my father to be the chief minister are now demanding that I should become the next chief minister. It is not only my father’s supporters, but also the youth that want me to be the chief minister.”
Replying to a question on Prime Minister Narendra Modi not allowing any sons and daughters to be part of his Cabinet, Pankaja said, “No question of dynasty. There was discussion that I take up my father’s post after his death, but I did not take it up. Dynasty can’t be a demerit. Think PM Modi gives preference to merit.”
On whether the PM Modi will endorse her she said, “Don’t know if PM Modi will endorse me. I don’t know what’s in his mind. But I know they acknowledge that it’s been only 3 months since father’s death and I’ve got little time to prove myself. I think they will appreciate that.”
She expressed the confidence that the BJP will get a clear majority on its own in the state assembly. However, she added that she is willing to talk to the Shiv Sena if need be.