'Shiv Sena to be neutral if allegations against BJP ministers are discussed'

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena will remain "neutral" if the allegations of corruption against Maharashtra BJP ministers come up for discussion in the state legislature this week, a Sena legislator said here today.

It has been clear for the last many months that there is no love lost between BJP and Sena, the two ruling allies, with the latter taking potshots at BJP every now and then.

"Our party has decided to remain neutral if corruption allegations against BJP leaders are discussed in either house this week on demand from the opposition. I feel a discussion will take place as the opposition seems to be in no mood to relent," the legislator told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Uddhav Thackeray had already made it clear that BJP should inquire into allegations and take action, he said.

"We are not interested in letting BJP off the hook in matters of corruption. Uddhav Thackeray feels if the allegations are false, it should be proved so. At the same time we cannot be seen as supporting the opposition. So our only option is to remain neutral," the legislator said.

Thackeray, in a recent interview to Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana', had sought to turn up the heat on BJP by calling for a probe into the allegations, including those against women and child welfare minister Pankaja Munde over the 'chikki scam' (procurement of chikki and other items by her department for the tribal children).

The opposition Congress and NCP have demanded Munde's resignation over the issue.