Uddhav to decide alliance after meeting PM

On a day when the Shiv Sena mouthpiece “Saamna” took another swipe at the BJP, party chief Uddhav Thackeray stated that he would like to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi before deciding on the fate of their 25-year-old alliance.

Sena’s move to interact with Modi comes after Uddhav decided to withdraw his lone minister in the NDA-government at the Centre, Anant Geete.

BJP sources said they are not amused at the “hug and abuse” policy adopted by their partner the Shiv Sena, given the fact that the regional party does not spare opportunities to publicly embarrass them.

 “Joining the NDA and then pulling out is not that easy,” Uddhav told reporters in Mumbai, fuelling speculation that post poll alliance to form the government in the state if situation is favourable cannot be ruled out as it appears difficult for one party to occupy power on its own.

Uddhav, who also nurtures ambition of becoming the chief minister, said: “All MPs who have been elected bagged the votes of both Shiv Sena and BJP. It is the people’s mandate. A decision will be taken after discussions with the prime minister and considering what our supporters feel.”

Asked to comment on the Sena’s latest move,  BJP general secretary Rajiv Pratap Rudy, who is in-charge of Maharashtra, said, “One fact is clear that the BJP is on its own in Maharashtra, we are all set to gain majority in the state.” 

Though Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah will take a final call, Rudy’s cold reaction is indicative of the fact that the party leaders do not appreciate the Shiv Sena publicly indulging in demeaning spat.

RSS disapproval

 Sena’s mouthpiece “Saamna” carried a write up claiming that the RSS was not happy with the BJP straining its ties with its regional and trusted ally.  Pointing out that during a secret meeting held on Sunday in Mumbai, RSS representatives were very critical of the BJP’s approach as that would lead to division of Hindu votes.

Stating that they were tipped off by the insiders on the contents of the meeting, “Saamna” report quoting RSS leaders stated: “Did you consult us before breaking the alliance? Why is the BJP running away from Hindutva? Or did you break it because of your selfish interests... This has created divisions among Hindus.”
 
The RSS, claims the report, warned the leaders not to draw a parallel between Sena and the JD(U) with which the BJP snapped ties owing to latter’s reservation on projecting Modi as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate.

“You are only bothered about your chair... With what face are you going to approach the electorate and seek votes?” the RSS leaders are believed to have told the BJP.   The content of the meeting has neither been confirmed nor denied by the BJP leadership here in the national capital.
DH News Service