In the sharpest attack yet on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and erstwhile ally BJP, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray wondered if a "chaiwala" (tea-vendor) can become prime minister, why couldn't he become the chief minister of Maharashtra.

"If a 'chaiwala' can become the prime minister, I can definitely become the state chief minister," Uddhav said in an interview with Sanjay Raut, executive editor, "Saamana", the party mouthpiece.