Maha Politics: Love-Hate Relationship Continues; Shiv Sena To Sit In Opposition But Keeps The Door Open For Patch Up With BJP

Although Shiv Sena has staked claim for the post of the leader of opposition, party president Uddhav Thackeray said they are open to talks with the BJP and are still a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

“We have submitted a letter staking claim to the post of Leader of Opposition. In today’s scenario, no one has faith in each other. The Congress has already staked claim to the post. If we wait any longer, we will be neither here, nor there. However, we can still have discussions with the BJP. If the alliance with the BJP has to happen, it will, else we will sit in the opposition,” Thackeray said.

He added, “My patience should not be seen as a sign of helplessness. The power of those who are speaking against Hindus is growing and we do not want the forces of Hindutva to get divided.”

It seems Shiv Sena is just playing politics and trying to keep the pressure on BJP and bargain hard. Shiv Sena is demanding the post of either deputy chief minister or home minister and also some key portfolios in the Cabinet in lieu of its support in Maharashtra.

The BJP, too, would prefer to have Shiv Sena as its ally as both the parties share a common ideology. On the other hand, NCP, which has already announced unconditional support to the BJP government, has a tainted track record with many corruption allegations against its leaders.

Both the parties broke up just before the Assembly elections after 25 years of alliance.