Sena in two minds over tie-up

The Shiv Sena is in two minds over a possible alliance with NCP. While a section of the party wants to go with NCP, the other is interested in continuing its tie-up with BJP.

When he was asked about his reported meeting with NCP chief Sharad Pawar in Delhi, Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray said, “If you are so interested in knowing, ask Pawar. Such speculations are always there whenever elections are near. Earlier, there was a speculation that Sena will tie up with BSP. Now, it is NCP. I want to clear one thing: There were no talks with NCP over alliance,” said Thackeray.

Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said: “We are part of NDA and LK Advani is our candidate for the prime minister’s post. The question of supporting Sharad Pawar does not arise in this scenario.”

The speculation of Sena’s possible alliance with NCP became strong after Sena-BJP differed over seat sharing. Three Lok Sabha constituencies  are the reason for differences in the saffron alliance. Sena has staked its claim on all these seats.