Checkmated by Sonia, Sena-BJP redrafts strategy

"We are redrafting our campaign strategy in view of the unprecedented attendance at Sonia’s meeting in the tribal area. Though there is no Sonia wave anywhere in the State, it will be improper to ignoreher," a senior BJP Minister told The Indian Express. But he was quick to add that it would be wrong to conclude that all those who attended the Nandurbar meeting will vote for the Congress.

Congress’s electoral tie-up with the SP and the RPI has also taken the alliance Government by surprise. A senior Sena Minister said, "In view of the intra-party dispute in the RPI as well as SP, we did not expect that the Congress will leave such a large number of seats for the two parties or they will reach an understanding."

However, Thackeray is finding it difficult to stick to his resolution to refrain from seeking votes in the name of Hindutva. Though at a media briefing earlier in the month he had attempted a patch-up with Muslims by advocating a national monument at Ayodhya, he was unable to resist from harping on his pet theme of religion at Kolhapur and Aurangabad. While accusing Sonia of appointing Christians to key posts in the Congress, Thackeray reiterated his love for Hinduism at theserallies.

Meanwhile, Opposition leader in Council Chhagan Bhujbal told The Indian Express that Thackeray’s utterances were an indication of his frustration following Sonia’s political plunge.