Sena-MNS rift widens

The widening rift between Shiv Sena and and Maharahstra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has made chances of an alliance between the two bleak.

The ongoing verbal duel between the two after last week’s elections to the Maharashtra legislative council has pitted the two parties against each other at the cost of the Marathi manoos.

Sena launched a scathing attack against MNS chief Raj Thackeray for siding with the Congress-NCP alliance in the council polls for financial gains.

MNS has countered Sena’s criticism by recalling how the party has benefited financially by fielding non-Marathi candidates in various elections in the past. The ongoing spat is expected to become more bitter ahead of the elections to the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation in 2011.

Veteran Sena leader and former Lok Sabha speaker Manohar Joshi admitted that the chances of the Sena executive president Uddhav and MNS chief Raj coming together were bleak. Joshi’s candid remarks speak volumes though a section of Sena and MNS was still optimistic.

Interestingly, it is good news for the ruling Congress-NCP alliance which would make all out efforts to consolidate their position as the rift between the two parties widen.

Sena chief Bal Thackeray added fire to the spat between the two cousins by giving an unusual gift to his estranged nephew.

Senior Thackeray on the 43rd birthday of Raj coined him “Dhanajirao” (wealthy man). Thackeray’s obvious reference was Raj’s decision to vote for money in the last week’s council poll. The Sena chief alleged that Raj entered into an understanding with the Congress and joined the bandwagon of bootlickers.

Sena insiders told Business Standard, “A large number of Shiv Sena members still feel that alliance between Sena and MNS is a must to protect the Marathi manoos. This is despite Raj who turned out to be a spoilsport in the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra legislative assembly elections.There is a strong feeling that ultimately Sena chief Bal Thackeray may broker a peace.”

Raj’s recent move to support Sena in the mayoral election of the Ambernath civic body had brightened the chances of a tie up between the two parties. However, Raj has warned Sena not to interfere in the functioning of his party and sent out a terse message that Sena should introspect and make efforts to put its house in order.