Shiv Sena-BJP relations nosedives again

When Shiv Sena stayed away from the Lok Sabha debate on the no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi-led NDA government, of which it is an ally, its relations with the BJP nosedived once again.

In fact, it is perhaps for the first time in the history of Lok Sabha, that a member of the ruling alliance stayed away from the no-confidence vote, embarrassing the government. The Shiv Sena has 18 members in the lower House of Parliament. However, it was not a matter of numbers for the BJP to take on the no-trust vote moved by Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP.

“This has to be understood clearly…The no-confidence motion was moved against the government led by Modi and not the Prime Minister.

Technically, it is a no-confidence against the Shiv Sena also as it is part of the government. It was a matter of embarrassment for the BJP and the Sena,” said a senior Mumbai-based political observer.

What is more important here is that Shiv Sena is the oldest ally of the BJP, and it stands with it on the issue of Hindutva. There were conflicting reports on whether there was an understanding between BJP President Amit Shah and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray ahead of the no-confidence motion.

Sena signal

With the 2019 Lok Sabha elections just months away, the development has surprised many and almost stamped the earlier statements from the Shiv Sena leadership that they would go alone in future elections.

“Very recently, Amit Shah came to Mumbai and had a meeting with Uddhav Thackeray in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Aditya Thackeray. It was a sign of rapprochement after Palghar bye-elections when they contested against each other.

However, now it is almost clear that the Sena would go alone in the Lok Sabha elections,” said a senior analyst.