Rahul’s growth cannot match Modi, says Shiv Sena

Mumbai: After deciding to forge an alliance with the BJP, the Shiv Sena has softened its stand towards its ally. As proof of its bonhomie with the BJP, the party said that Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's leadership could not be compared with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It also strongly defended its decision to join hands with its estranged ally.

In the editorial in the party’s mouthpiece 'Saamana' on Wednesday, the party said, "Although Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's 'development book' has improved much since 2014, he cannot be compared with Mr Modi's leadership despite having the support of his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra."

The remarks by the Uddhav Thackeray-led party came two days after it sealed a pre-poll alliance with the BJP after years of bickering and criticism of the latter's policies and leaders.

Defending its seat-sharing pact with the BJP, the Sena said that questions about the tie-up were less in the minds of the people as compared to the minds of the political opponents as these "insects" would be crushed by the new formed alliance.

While asserting that the party was not helpless for power, the Sena said that there was no enmity between it and the BJP. If Bihar chief minister and Janata Dal (united) (JDU) chief Nitish Kumar could join the NDA despite differences of opinion with Mr Narendra Modi and if the Congress could forge a 'mahagathbandhan', then the Shiv Sena had always been a part of the BJP-led coalition, it said.