Shiv Sena divided over supporting a BJP-led govt in Maharashtra

A section wants the saffron party to play the role of a vigilant opposition rather than being a defensive one

The Shiv Sena is divided over approaching the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to extend its unconditional support to form the government in Maharashtra. Some leaders as well as workers are of the view that Shiv Sena should work as a vigilant opposition and pay attention to rebuilding the party across the state.  However, some newly elected legislators favour joining the government and thereby rejuvenating the party.

Shiv Sena leader Subhash Desai, accompanied by the party’s member of Parliament Anil Desai, had flown to Delhi on Tuesday night to negotiate with BJP leaders. However, the duo did not get any hearing from the BJP leaders and returned to Mumbai on Wednesday.

They have briefed Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray about their Delhi visit. Incidentally, Uddhav has been authorised by the party legislators to take a final decision on  whether or not to support the BJP and also elect the party's legislative wing leader.

A Shiv Sena leader from the Maharashtra Legislative Council, who did not want to be named, told Business Standard: “There was no need for the Shiv Sena with its 63 members to be on the defensive and make attempts to reach out to the BJP to discuss issues relating to government formation. This is when the BJP is not sending any positive signals. The BJP has already said it is the big brother and it has no problem in forming a government. Besides, the BJP's Maharashtra election in-charge, O P Mathur, has said the party has the support of 138 legislators. In such a situation, the Shiv Sena should not bend and go on making offers to the BJP. Instead, the party should work as a strong opposition in the state Assembly.”

Another Sena leader said: “It seems the BJP is reluctant to revive its alliance with the Shiv Sena and consider the party's support. The BJP is prepared to run the government with the unconditional support offered by the Nationalist Congress Party and some independents. Even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified that Maharashtra will not be separated, other leaders are openly making a case for Vidarbha state for which Shiv Sena is totally opposed.”