Shiv Sainiks too differ in views on BJP issue

The afternoon heat and humidity is leading to streaks of perspiration streaming down his face. But the Shiv sainik from the communally-sensitive textile town of Bhiwandi in Thane is fire and brimstone as he lashes out at his party's estranged ally, BJP, while waiting for the darshan of Sena supremo late Bal Thackeray's memorial at Shivaji Park on his second death anniversary on Monday.

"The BJP has betrayed us. In rural areas, their leaders carried out a whispering campaign seeking votes, claiming they would join hands with Shiv Sena after polls. But they stabbed us in the back," he claimed, adding in typical Sena style: "We will teach them a lesson in the next elections."

However, Dnyaneshwar Patil, another Shiv sainik from Bhiwandi, feels that coming together of the two pro-Hindutva parties is essential to "protect the interests of Hindutva". "A bad message has been sent not just to Shiv sainiks but even the common man because of the BJP's dalliance with the NCP," he said.

The differing perspectives of the two hardcore sainiks is perhaps indicative of the ideological rift in the Sena over the prospects of joining hands with BJP for the sake of power despite repeated snubs by the latter. However, like their counterparts in the MNS, sainiks are enthused at the likelihood of the two Thackeray cousins —Sena president Uddhav and MNS chief Raj, who made an entry at the venue earlier in the day, striking a political understanding.

Sena insiders admit to a vertical split in the ranks. While some legislators and leaders want to become ministers, many sainiks wish for the party to sit in the opposition. They are upset at the Sena's "humiliation" by its former junior ally and insist that there is no point in seeking the crumbs of power after such treatment by the BJP.

"In rural areas, people still want the Shiv Sena and BJP to unite," said Ananta Patil from Thane, adding that the BJP would commit a grave error by underestimating the Sena — the second largest party in the legislature with a massive nuisance value and raw street power to boot.

At Shivaji Park, Mukund Beni, who hails from Nashik, is a cynosure of all eyes as he moves around with two placards carrying photos of the late Sena chief and statements against BJP leaders. "These people used us for votes in the Lok Sabha polls and ditched us later. We have created a monster. The BJP wants to decimate smaller, regional parties," said Beni, who has attended most Sena rallies on the ground, while lashing out at the NCP for stealing a march on the Sena in supporting the BJP.

"Though Uddhavji has managed to fill the vacuum to a large extent, we still miss Balasaheb," said Thane deputy vibhag pramukh Shailesh Chavan, adding that if the Thackeray cousins came together, they would sweep the state on the resultant sentiment. "We must join the government only if the BJP shows us due respect," he said, adding that the BJP had piggybacked on the Sena so far.

Wearing a saffron cap with the party's name emblazoned on it, veteran Shiv sainik Aba Sawant, who is associated with the party ever since its formation in 1966, is circumspect when asked if the estranged saffron allies can come together. "Somehow, it doesn't seem so comfortable anymore," said the former RSS man, between gulps of bottled water to beat the heat.