Mutual affection: After Modi's 'tribute' to Balasaheb, Sena goes soft on BJP

Solapur: By saying that he would not criticise Shiv Sena as a tribute to Balasaheb, Prime Minister Narendra Modi seems to have strategically cornered the Shiv Sena and MNS for playing ‘Marathi identity’ politics. Many people who attended Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray’s rally in Solapur district on Monday said that their anger with the BJP has softened after the remarks and they may also vote for BJP in cases where the Sena candidates are weak. “We were looking at BJP with a perspective of revenge. But, it is a good thing that Modi also respects our tallest leader. It is also an indication that the Sena and the BJP may come together for a post poll-alliance. We also want the Sena-BJP to come together again,” said Anandraje Shinde, a resident of Sangola, who attended Uddhav’s rally. [caption id=“attachment_1744447” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai. AFP[/caption] “A section of Sena activists may vote for the BJP in certain places where the Sena is weak,” he added. Others said that their target is to dislodge the Congress-NCP government from the state. “We are fed up with Congress-NCP’s misgovernance in the state for the last 15 years and want to dislodge them. The BJP is also working for the same agenda. So, our target is the same and we will work to achieve it,” said Abasaheb Gadave, a Sena worker. Sena activists, known for their retaliation, were harbouring a feeling of revenge following the split between Sena and BJP. It was reflected in the past when leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal, Ganesh Naik, Sada Sarvankar and others left the party. Sena has always taken a pride in playing and supporting the Marathi manoos card. “Had Modi criticised the Shiv Sena, we would have retaliated more aggressively and it would have cost the BJP in the Assembly Election. Also, there would have been no scope for two parties coming together in future. We still feel that we are together,” said a Sena leader requesting anonymity. Political observers say Modi has strategically decided not to criticise Sena. The PM does not want to hurt the Marathi manoos. At the same time, he doesn’t want to allow Sena and MNS to play the Marathi card in the election, say a political observer.