Jolt to Shiv Sena as its MP joins Congress

In yet another pre-election jolt to the Shiv Sena, its influential MP from Shirdi, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, joined the Congress Monday.

Wakchaure crossed over at a public function in Shrirampur here.

Wakchaure becomes the third Shiv Sena MP to quit the party in the past weeks, sounding alarm bells in the opposition coalition, which comprises the Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Republican Party of India-Athavale. The two others joined the Nationalist Congress Party.

However, it is still not clear whether the Congress and NCP will reward the newcomers with tickets from their respective parties.

Putting up a brave face, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray termed them as "greedy" leaders who have taken refuge in "sinking ships".

The other two MPs are Ganesh Dudhgaonkar from Parbhani and Anand Paranjpe from Thane. There are apprehensions that more middle-rung leaders might switch over as the Lok Sabha elections approach.

Thackeray also declared at a rally Sunday night in Thane district that henceforth, "there would be no democracy" in the Shiv Sena. "Whatever decisions I take, shall be the final word."