Sena softens stand, may back Najma
For the first time in its more than two-decade-long alliance with the Shiv Sena, the BJP seems to have got the better of its ally.
By TNN |
MUMBAI: For the first time in its more than two-decade-long alliance with the Shiv Sena, the BJP seems to have got the better of its ally. After all the high-decibel talk of going solo, Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray is now out to mend ties with the BJP.
In a clear sign of mellowing down, senior Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi attended an NDA meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, indicating that the Sena would extend its support to the NDA nominee, Najma Heptullah, in the vice-presidential race. Sources said everything looked hunky-dory, though the Sena ended up cutting a sorry figure this time around.
Thackeray junior, of late, has started making reconciliatory noises over its alliance with the BJP. In contrast, the BJP displayed an aggressive body language at a recent rally against the Congress-led government, where the party appeared to have prepared itself for a life without the Sena.
Political observers, however, put it all down to a change in the Sena’s political prospects. “Mr Thackeray’s somersault has a lot to do with the Sena’s dependence on the BJP for three major municipal corporations of Mumbai, Thane and Nashik,” a BJP leader disclosed. This may not be music to Sena’s ears, but the BJP support is seen crucial for its survival in these corporations.
In the event of both the parties parting ways, the Sena would be reduced to a marginal player in the municipal bodies, which no doubt would be a big setback for the saffron party. Already, six Sena corporators in Mumbai face the prospect of being disqualified for submitting fake caste certificates in the BMC polls. “We have had enough; let them bend backwards now. We are a national party and are used to prolonged stints in the Opposition,” A BJP office-bearer said.
In a clear sign of mellowing down, senior Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi attended an NDA meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, indicating that the Sena would extend its support to the NDA nominee, Najma Heptullah, in the vice-presidential race. Sources said everything looked hunky-dory, though the Sena ended up cutting a sorry figure this time around.
Thackeray junior, of late, has started making reconciliatory noises over its alliance with the BJP. In contrast, the BJP displayed an aggressive body language at a recent rally against the Congress-led government, where the party appeared to have prepared itself for a life without the Sena.
Political observers, however, put it all down to a change in the Sena’s political prospects. “Mr Thackeray’s somersault has a lot to do with the Sena’s dependence on the BJP for three major municipal corporations of Mumbai, Thane and Nashik,” a BJP leader disclosed. This may not be music to Sena’s ears, but the BJP support is seen crucial for its survival in these corporations.
In the event of both the parties parting ways, the Sena would be reduced to a marginal player in the municipal bodies, which no doubt would be a big setback for the saffron party. Already, six Sena corporators in Mumbai face the prospect of being disqualified for submitting fake caste certificates in the BMC polls. “We have had enough; let them bend backwards now. We are a national party and are used to prolonged stints in the Opposition,” A BJP office-bearer said.
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