Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has reiterated that his party’s relation with its ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party, is akin to that of a husband and wife.
Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has reiterated that his party’s relation with its ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party, is akin to that of a husband and wife. He asserted that ‘Kamalabai’ — as he refers to BJP because of the latter’s symbol, the kamla (lotus) — will remain his patta rani (favourite queen) despite his praise for Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar.
Thackeray’s remarks come at a time when political circles are speculating that the Sena may part ways with the BJP and ally with the Nationalist Congress Party. In an editorial published in Saamana, the Sena mouthpiece, yesterday, Thackeray said there was no possibility of an alliance with the NCP.
Thackeray also denied reports in some newspapers that his son Uddhav, the Sena’s executive president, had met Pawar in Delhi.
“The media said the meeting was confidential. Then how did they come to know about it? Are the media people like Mr India who disappear and hear conversations between two people?” he asked, alluding to famous movie of the 1980s titled Mr India.
Thackeray claimed he did not believe in secrecy. “If we want to make an alliance with anybody, we will do it openly, not secretly. The BJP should not be upset if I praise Sharadbabu for his qualities. Otherwise the family will be divided,” he stated.
Also yesterday, Sena district chiefs from across the state met at the Matoshree Club in Jogeshwari to assess the party’s preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The BJP has welcomed Thackeray’s remarks. “Now that he has spoken, there should no doubts in your mind too,” state general secretary Vinod Tawde told the media.
BJP state president Nitin Gadkari also taunted Pawar over speculation of a Sena-NCP alliance. “If Pawar adopts Hindutva, we will be happy,” he said.
Incidentally, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi will flag off the BJP campaign in the state when he addresses rallies at Gondiya, near Nagpur, and Pimpalgaon, near Nashik on February 25.
“Modi will address 25 rallies, including in Mumbai and Thane,” said Tawde. “We have finalised our issues for the campaign, which will be different for the urban and the rural voters.” As per the BJP-Sena tie-up, the BJP will contest 26 of the state’s 48 seats.
Meanwhile, entering the political fray, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has decided to field its candidates for all the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state. According to party sources, president Raj
Thackeray yesterday asked his top party leaders to aim at winning at least 6% of the votes in the state so that the party’s election symbol - a rail engine - will be recognised by the Election Commission.
The MNS is expected to announce its candidates on February 27.
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