Exit from 'Opposition' mindset, Shiv Sena tells BJP

MUMBAI: In a stinging attack on its ally, the Shiv Sena today said that it will be "unfortunate" if the BJP does not come out of its " Opposition" mindset and provide a strong leadership in Maharashtra even as it asserted that it cannot turn a blind eye to the situation on the border.

"Some people, when they open their eyes see the border crisis and Pakistan's breach of trust time and again. This can be only seen by those who have a nationalist and a patriotic eye. Seeing all this is not a fault in perception but our values, which we will continue with.

"There are some who only keep seeing drains. If there is a poll done on whether a drain is important or Pakistan's aggression, people will choose patriotism and nationalism," the Sena said in an edit in its mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

The verbal duel between the two alliance partners had hit a new low when BJP leader Ashish Shelar had on Saturday advised the BJP to focus on civic issues in Mumbai, rather than talking about international ones.

Hinting at the internal rift within the BJP, the Sena said the 'ammunition' (controversies surrounding senior ministers of the state cabinet) which the Opposition has got to attack the state government in the assembly session, has not been earned by hard-work but the source lies somewhere else.

"If the present government does not come out of its opposition mindset and provide a strong leadership to the state, it will be most unfortunate," the Sena said.

It further said that allegations on the law and order situation in the state have been raised by BJP leaders themselves and the Sena has nothing to do with it.

"(Devendra) Fadnavis government is running with the Sena's support and we are answerable to people of the state. Sena was not born for power but for the people's well being, Maharashta's honour, and the security of the country. Thus, if anything goes wrong, we will take to task our enemies even with closed eyes," the Sena said.