Sena downplays BJP barbs

Unprovoked by the use of strong words by BJP leaders about their relationship, the Shiv Sena has decided to wait for its NDA partner to act first.

Unprovoked by the use of strong words by BJP leaders about their relationship, the Shiv Sena has decided to wait for its NDA partner to act first.

Sources in the Shiv Sena told The Indian Express here on Monday that 8220;we would neither react to Sushma Swaraj8217;s remarks on an impending review of Sena-BJP ties later, nor Gopinath Munde8217;s loaded use of past tense while referring to our alliance8221;. They said the Sena believed everything would be normal once the dust settles on the presidential election issue after July 19. 8220;However, if they do announce something thereafter, then we would also make our announcement,8221; the sources added without elaborating on Sena8217;s options.

The Sena is not in a threatening mode. That may be due to the fact that it is far more self-confidant today than it was, say over a year ago. The exit of Narayan Rane and Raj Thackeray had shaken the party and Uddhav Thackeray8217;s leadership remained under question. The success in BMC and zila parishad polls beside the Ramtek Lok Sabha by-election has instilled a feeling of strength in the Sena leadership, which remains unfazed by BJP hint at a possible break-off.

Regarding the BJP boycott of the customary pre-session lunch hosted by Ramdas Kadam Shiv Sena, Leader of Opposition in the Maharasthra Assembly, the sources said, 8220;We admit, there is a certain tension between us, but we feel it would pass off like an occasional tiff between a long married couple.8221;

The sources said the Sena support to 8220;Pratibhatai Patil is specific to her as the first Maharashtrian set to occupy the highest office of the land8221;. 8220;But, our opposition to the Congress and Sonia Gandhi remains as firm as ever.8221; There was no dilution of the Sena commitment to the NDA. Being practically a regional party, the Sena obviously could not overlook local sentiments. They stressed 8220;ultimately, whatever gains we make in terms of popular support, we would share them with BJP8221;.

Counselling patience to the BJP, they said, 8220;Sahib Bal Thackeray has backed Patil8217;s candidature, but has not resolved to blindly back anything that she does.8221; Therefore, he would not take even a minute to criticise Patil if she also fails to promptly reject, say, a mercy petition by a terrorist.