``During the Congress regime, chief ministers were changed every six months. In Shivshahi, things are different,'' the Thackeray junior told media persons here.

It would not be wise to change Manohar Joshi just because he happens to be a Brahmin, the SS leader said. Such a decision would be distressful, he felt.

Joshi has created a sort of record by continuing to be in the chief minister's saddle for three-and-a-half years without a break, he said. ``Joshi will continue till he continues to do his job perfectly,'' Uddhav said.

The Sena has thrived on the strength of its supporters, he said, describing it as a people's party.

The Sena would soon launch a `unique Shivadaan' scheme by floating Sena supremo's relief fund to help partymen in meeting educational expenses oftheir wards and those suffering chronic diseases, he announced. The Sena has been the only political party to have insured its thousands of office-bearers, he said.

Agreeing with doubts raised by Deputy CM and State Power Minister Gopinath Munde on providing free power to farmers, he said, however, it had to be done. ``We will give farmers free power,'' he affirmed.

Replying to a question, he denied any rift between party chief Bal Thackeray and the CM. His cousin Raj had commented upon unenthusiastic response of the bureaucracy in carrying the saffron alliance government's schemes to the people, he said, adding that Raj never had criticised Joshi.

Uddhav pooh-poohed Congress leader Chhagan Bhujbal and quipped that ``he now exists only in his press communiques.''

A delegation met him to demand a separate university for Solapur, he said adding that the issue would be sorted out by November-December after a meeting with the Chief Minister.