Mumbai: Taking a dig at the "role of rebels" in Maharashtra politics, Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray today (Oct 19, 2004) suggested that "rebels should stake claim for forming the next Government".

"If the new Government is to be installed only with the backing of rebels, then why not rebels themselves form a Government," Thackeray said in the party mouthpiece 'Saamna' in Mumbai.

The Sena chief further said, "The rebels should elect a Chief Minister and distribute portfolios amongst them and we will extend support to them."

At least 19 independents, most of them rebels, have got elected in the just concluded State Assembly polls.

The Sena chief said all the rebels should give a thought to his suggestion.

Expressing concern over election of candidates with criminal antecedents like Pappu Yadav and Pappu Kalani, Thackeray sarcastically commented, "If this is democracy then it should be hailed."