BJP free to ally with NCP: Shiv Sena

The spat between allies Shiv Sena and BJP continued on Friday with Sena MP Sanjay Raut asking the BJP to keep the government stable with the help of Nationalist Congress Party if it has problems with the Sena.

The latest war of words came about after BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari compared Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to the comical jailer character played by Asrani in the movie Sholay.

The barbs against the Sena chief did not go down well with the party workers, who held anti-BJP protests. Some also burnt photos of Mr Bhandari and displayed placards portraying BJP national president Amit Shah as ‘Gabbar,’ the iconic antagonist in Sholay.

Mr Raut said BJP should not forget that the government is stable due to Shiv Sena’s support. He also warned BJP to prevent its “insignificant” leaders from criticising Mr Thackeray.

“Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis should declare that views expressed by some BJP leaders were personal or not the party’s official stand. We have taken serious note of it and your government is stable due to our support. You are free to run the government with help of (NCP leaders) Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare and Ajit Pawar,” Mr Raut said.

The Sena MP said that the criticism can be made on policies and should not be personal. “If BJP does not prevent its leaders (from criticising Mr Thackeray) then Shiv Sainiks are capable of protecting their own leaders and teaching a lesson to the BJP,” he added.

The warning from the Sena came after Mr Bhandari in the BJP magazine Manogat asked the ally to opt for ‘divorce’ if it felt oppressed in the alliance. “They sit with us, eat with us and then attack us as well...it’s better to take talaaq from the Nizam’s father. So, Mr Raut, when are you taking talaaq ” Mr Bhandari had asked in the article.

However, BJP state president Raosaheb Danve has tried to pacify workers from both the sides.

“Shiv Sena and BJP leaders have taken pot shots at each other in the last few days. We are of the opinion that both parties should be respectful while speaking about the leaders from Shiv Sena and BJP,” he said in a statement.

“An article or news published in a newspaper doesn’t mean it’s party’s official stand. The newspaper has the right to express its personal view. I appeal to workers to be patient. We have been in alliance for the last 25 years and will complete five years in government,” Mr Danve said.