Saffron parties work in unison

Nagpur: In the first week of the Winter Session, both the parties in power and those comprising the Opposition worked in unison to take on each other. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) sulking partner Shiv Sena has been coordinating with the former in both Houses. Similarly, the Congress and Congress Nationalist Party (NCP) have put up a united front.

There is buzz that Sena’s co-ordination with the BJP is allegedly a result of “leaked information” of a meeting between Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP chief Sharad Pawar. “Had the information not leaked of this meeting, you would have seen an aggressive Shiv Sena taking on the BJP in this session,” said a senior Sena minister on the condition of anonymity. Observers believe that this bonding is first indication that now political lines are sharpening ahead of the elections, which are due in 18 months.

In the Council when Opposition members were sloganeering over the loan waiver issue on Wednesday, Shiv Sena members rushed to the well to protest against the Opposition. This came as a surprise for all, as Sena members have been reluctant to defend the BJP or state government on many issues. In the Assembly also Sena members were seen defending government throughout the first week.

“For the past three years, Sena has been a part of government but it behaved like an Opposition party. But Sena and BJP are coming as a united force. This is surprise for us also,” said a five-term Congress MLA on Friday.

This change in the Sena’s strategy is also reflection of Congress and NCP’s united attack. “The Halla Bol march and rally in Nagpur clearly sent message that Congress and NCP leaders are trying to bridge the gap,” said a BJP Cabinet minister.

“Despite sevral burning issues, both Congresses have failed to put pressure on the government,” said Prakash Bal, a political analyst.