BJP assumes it’s an empty threat, a 'bargaining ploy' of Sena

NEW DELHI: Sena’s threat to go it alone in the next Lok Sabha and Maharashtra assembly polls, both due in 2019, has not come as a surprise to ally BJP which sees this as a possible “pressure tactic or bargaining ploy” but is keeping its doors open in case the Thackerays do a rethink.

Senior BJP office-bearers, MPs and leaders ET talked to said Sena had parted ways before the last assembly elections only to share power post-polls. Even then, BJP and Sena fought most corporation elections separately.

However, there is a feeling that BJP and Sena need each other for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as it is not an easy fight and Congress-NCP can damage them if they are not together. BJP is hopeful Sena will change its mind. “There is still time for the next general elections. Anything is possible in cricket and politics. Sena has not signed on a registered document that they won’t ally with us. Our doors are open for Sena,” Gopal Shetty, BJP MP from Mumbai North told ET.


BJP leaders feel “like-minded parties” should contest the Lok Sabha elections under the NDA banner as opponents are likely to join hands. A senior BJP leader said Sena chief Udhav Thackeray’s announcement is aimed at asserting himself within his party and enthusing the cadre.

“In Maharashtra, once Sena was the senior partner. Sena wanted the deputy CM’s post but has not got it. Elections to seven Rajya Sabha seats will take place in April and Sena wants representation. Thackeray is not as powerful as his father. Even his own ministers do not listen to him,” a senior BJP leader claimed.

Ties between BJP and Sena have been strained since Bal Thackeray’s death. While he was respected by BJP leaders, Udhav expected the same treatment. BJP chief Amit Shah has not minced words in telling his office-bearers that the party should expand its political presence in Maharashtra and not be dependent on Shiv Sena.