Shiv Sena says alliance with BJP will ‘remain strong’

Calling it a ‘Derby Race’ to extend support to Bharatiya Janata Party’s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, Shiv Sena on Tuesday made it clear that its alliance with the BJP on Hindutva will remain strong despite a number of storms.

“Our alliance with the BJP is the oldest in the country’s politics for the Hindutva. It has weathered many storms. The alliance remained strong despite various attempts from a number of people, even from insiders. It remained strong,” said the editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana .

There has been speculation about the understanding between the Sena’s arch-rival Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and the BJP after the meeting between Raj Thackeray and former BJP president Nitin Gadkari. Mr. Gadkari had requested him not to contest polls to avoid vote split between the anti-Congress votes. Shiv Sena had openly expressed its discontent about the meeting.

The editorial without naming the MNS, said that it seems like there is a “Derby Race” on to support Mr. Modi.

“Those who criticised him till recently, are extending support to Mr. Modi without even him asking for it,” the editorial said. The MNS chief has already announced his support to Mr. Modi, though he will be fielding candidates against the Sena and the BJP in Maharashtra.

The editorial has also claimed that all his critics, including America, which denied a visa to him, are welcoming him. “A super-power like America declined him the visa, blaming Mr. Modi for Gujarat riots. But we are sure that America’s president Barack Obama will himself come down to New Delhi to hand over a visa to Mr. Modi,” said the editorial.