BJP may part ways with Sena, ally with MNS
Another political estrangement is on the cards; this time between the saffron siblings, the Shiv Sena and the BJP in Maharashtra.
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: Another political estrangement is on the cards; this time between the saffron siblings, the Shiv Sena and the BJP in Maharashtra. The BJP, which appears to have concluded that it cannot do business with Bal Thackeray, is planning an alliance with Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
Although Mr Raj Thackeray’s party is yet to make its mark in the state’s politics, it is expected to have an impressive line-up by the time elections are announced. Sources said Mr Raj Thackeray is already in touch with a Sena deserter who occupies an important position in the Congress dispensation. This leader’s entry into MNS could have major ramifications for the Congress.
There are already signs of some major churning in the state politics. Important players in the state are confident of realignments on the eve of elections. Leaders like Sharad Pawar have never allowed ideological considerations to come in the way of tie-ups. Mr Pawar had come quite close to striking an alliance with the NDA before the 2004 Lok Sabha election.
The Shiv Sena has been the BJP’s oldest ally. But it has, of late, been sending out clear signals that it is not interested in doing business with the BJP. The BJP state unit leaders, who have been arguing for an immediate separation, had taken up the issue with the central leadership before the Presidential poll.
The BJP central unit is likely to make a formal announcement on its new partner soon. But the Sena, it is learnt, is in the process of giving a matching response.
Although Mr Raj Thackeray’s party is yet to make its mark in the state’s politics, it is expected to have an impressive line-up by the time elections are announced. Sources said Mr Raj Thackeray is already in touch with a Sena deserter who occupies an important position in the Congress dispensation. This leader’s entry into MNS could have major ramifications for the Congress.
There are already signs of some major churning in the state politics. Important players in the state are confident of realignments on the eve of elections. Leaders like Sharad Pawar have never allowed ideological considerations to come in the way of tie-ups. Mr Pawar had come quite close to striking an alliance with the NDA before the 2004 Lok Sabha election.
The Shiv Sena has been the BJP’s oldest ally. But it has, of late, been sending out clear signals that it is not interested in doing business with the BJP. The BJP state unit leaders, who have been arguing for an immediate separation, had taken up the issue with the central leadership before the Presidential poll.
The BJP central unit is likely to make a formal announcement on its new partner soon. But the Sena, it is learnt, is in the process of giving a matching response.
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