Shiv Sena praise for Rahul Gandhi irks ally BJP

New Delhi: The tricky relationship between allies BJP and Shiv Sena has struck a new low with Sena leader Sanjay Raut asserting that the “Modi wave” had waned. He also went on to praise Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, saying that he was no longer considered a Pappu (a derisive reference) and that people were accepting his leadership. “The biggest political power in this country is the people... the voters. They can make a Pappu of anyone,” Raut added in an apparent dig at the BJP.

Though Sena lacks any base in Gujarat, the home state of Modi, the party had extended its support to Patidar leader Hardik Patel who had met Uddhav Thackeray at the latter’s residence in Mumbai earlier this year. At a time when the entire saffron machinery has been unleashed to corner the Congress, the Shiv Sena’s move to hail Rahul Gandhi has upset the BJP and the Sangh Parivar.

While Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cautioned the oldest ally, BJP top leaders in Delhi have begun to look at options to “get out of Sena’s clutches”.  Fadnavis also told Sena it cannot act as a ruling party as well as an opposition at the same time. 

Speculation is rife in Maharashtra that the two allies could part ways before the next Lok Sabha polls. However, at this juncture, the BJP cannot do without the Sena as the party needs its support to stay in power. Some party leaders in Delhi feel that “it’s time to look for other options” and are even looking at Sharad Pawar’s NCP as an option. 

The BJP cadre in Maharashtra is in favour of snapping ties with Shiv Sena and wants the BJP to contest the next Lok Sabha elections on all 48 parliamentary constituencies as they see Sena as a “liability”. The BJP’s performance in the local bodies elections in the state has also boosted the cadre’s morale.