BJP journal says Sena overstated its strength

An article published in the state Bharatiya Janata Party’s house journal Manogat may lead to a new controversy over its relations with the Shiv Sena. The article stated that while the BJP had done well in the assembly polls, the Sena faced a setback.

“The BJP had made a compromise in the assembly elections to keep the alliance intact with the Sena. But the poll results showed which party was stronger,” stated the article.

While the BJP contested 119 seats as per the pre-poll pact, the Sena contested 179 and failed to enter double figures in any of the six regions of Maharashtra. “Taking all this into consideration, it is clear that the Sena’s strength was less than what its leaders proclaimed,” the article said.

Highlighting the MNS factor, the article stated, “Many BJP candidates lost by narrow margins. The MNS was the reason for that. Otherwise one could have seen a stronger BJP.”

The poll results in Mumbai, Thane and Konkan have been analysed in the writeup. “The inroads made by the MNS, a huge setback to the Sena, and the lesson taught to Narayan Rane by the people of Konkan, make up the new triangle in political developments in this region,” it said.

A source said the article was indicative of the mood in the party. “We are happy after the party acquired the position of main opposition in the state,” the source said. “It is an analysis of the poll results.” The source, however, said the BJP did not intend to hurt its ally with the writeup. No member of the Shiv Sena could be contacted.