Shiv Sena plays Opposition’s role again

Mumbai: With the BJP not giving much importance to the Shiv Sena and its chief, Uddhav Thackeray, the latter is playing the role of the opposition in the legislature, disrupting the proceedings of both Houses. Not only has the Sena declared it will go solo in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections next year, over the past few days, it has taken an aggressive stand over several issues including the Nanar Refinery project, farm loan waiver, Mahim nature park, and Metro 3 car shed at Aarey Milk Colony.

After criticising the Prime Minister for demonetisation among other issues, the Sena has opposed projects including Jaitapur, Nanar, Metro 3, bullet train and the Mahim nature park.

The party has adopted an even more aggressive stance than the opposition on the anganwadi workers’ issue, and is demanding that the 7th pay commission be implemented for government employees. In doing so, the Sena seems to be targeting all the politically important groups.

A senior Sena leader said that despite being a major alliance partner of the BJP, the Sena is again playing the role of the opposition and taking an anti-government stance, even as it eyes next year’s elections. Meanwhile, BJP sources revealed that the Sena never shared cordial relations with the BJP despite supporting the BJP-led government.