Modi should tackle Pak rather than hold rallies: Shiv Sena

Congress, NCP, MNS also cornered the Prime Minister on this issue

The Shiv Sena on Wednesday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he could indulge in Maharashtra politics later, but right now should focus firmly on dealing with Pakistan, which is stepping up cross-border attacks.

An editorial in the Sena mouthpiece Saamna on Wednesday pondered whether the Modi-led government was going to give Pakistan a befitting reply or just count the bodies of Indian soldiers.

The editorial also said, “Whether a 56-inch chest can save the country or not is debatable.” In the campaign for the national election, which he swept, Modi had said leaders with 56-inch chests are needed to guide India.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, addressing poll rallies in Marathwada region, led a blistering attack against Modi and alleged that the Centre lacked courage to confront Pakistan on repeated ceasefire violations and death of civilians. He claimed the Modi-led government could not dare to confront Pakistan for cross border attacks.

“The Shiv Sena had a lion’s share in making Narendra Modi the PM. People of Maharashtra will not succumb to the pressure from Modi who is now a shahenshah (emperor) of Delhi,” said Uddhav.

Congress spokesperson Shakeel Ahmed said the repeated cross-border attacks in Kashmir proved that the prime minister’s “56-inch chest has been reduced to just 5.6 inches.”

Moreover, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray criticised Modi for addressing a record 23 rallies in Maharashtra. Raj, who had showered praise on Modi for his pro-development works a year ago, suggested that the prime minister’s time would be better utilised on matters of national import like the attacks on the border.

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar also blasted Modi for focusing on the Maharashtra Assembly election. He noted Modi should instead have used this time for welfare of farmers and people of the country.