BJP's Shiv Sena strategy: Grateful Narendra Modi, hint-dropping Maharashtra leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's no-attack-on-Sena stand is part of a two-pronged design by the BJP to deal with its former ally. While none of the central leaders would criticise Sena or its chief Uddhav Thackeray, BJP's local functionaries would remind their target audience that thanks to Uddhav's ambition that they are not contesting as a coalition.

BJP insiders say the party had planned the move when it decided to go solo in the assembly polls. "While the PM is expressing gratitude to Balasaheb Thackeray, state unit President Devendra Fadnavis is not sparing Sena or Uddhav. Can this be possible without a well-calculated design?" asked a source.

The strategy was necessitated after the BJP realised that Uddhav Thackeray's stature had been raised following their fortnight-long talks over sharing of seats, which ultimately failed, said sources.

Senior leader and Union minister Nitin Gadkari's statement hinting possibility of post-poll alliance with Sena is also a part of this strategy, they said. In case, BJP does well and needs support for a few seats, their 'neutral' senior leaders can always approach the former ally, they said.