PANJIM: Asserting that there is no question of any political instability in Goa, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday termed Shiv Sena as a "third class party" while claiming that they will never be accepted in the State. 

Rane also hit back at Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and cautioned him of the possibility of a “political earthquake” in Maharashtra within the next six months.

Addressing media persons, Rane said that those in touch with Shiv Sena are on the verge of political suicide. “Just because they got a lottery in the form of the Maharashtra government, Shiv Sena is talking about forming a front in Goa. These mad people will not be given any position in Goa. Whoever is not in the government can talk about the front but they need to think whether people of Goa, especially Catholic, will accept them,” the minister said.

He was referring to Raut’s announcement that after Maharashtra, a political earthquake can be expected in Goa. Raut had held a meeting with Goa Forward Party (GFP) MLAs led by leader Vijai Sardesai in Mumbai, last week. 

Rane said that all the 27 BJP MLAs are united under the leadership of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and that there is no question of political instability.

“No one wants to commit political suicide by joining a third class party like Shiv Sena. Goa won’t entertain the party, which pulls out swords. Those who want to get Shiv Sena in Goa will get finished. They will have to move out with swords,” the minister added

Rane further asked Raut not to dream of destablising the Sawant-led government as it is united and working for the development of the State.

He admitted that the State faces issues like the mining ban, which has created some hassles, but expressed confidence that the State government will overcome the hurdle soon.

“People should not take the Shiv Sena seriously. Whoever wants to form a front can do so because they are in the opposition,” he added.

Meanwhile, Rane slammed Congress over its anti-government campaign on the Mhadei issue for "short-term" political gains. "One should not try to do politics out of the Mhadei issue. Those who do not know the issue, who have never seen the river, are talking over the issue,” he said.

He emphasised that the government will bring a solution to the current issue of diversion of Mhadei River water to Karnataka. He reiterated that the government is committed in ensuring that no water is diverted from River Mhadei.