‘Modi influence in BJP to create third force’
The current political equations in Maharashtra and Bihar could change with the political parties reviewing their positions against the backdrop of developments in the BJP, Shiv Sena, MNS and the JD(U) camps.
If MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s proximity to Gujarat CM Narendra Modi could compel the Shiv Sena to work on other options, it will be interesting to see how the ruling partners in Bihar — the JD(U) and the BJP — would work together if the saffron party goes to the Lok Sabha polls under Mr Modi’s leadership.
“Narendra Modi’s growing influence in the BJP will create a third force,” predicted a RJD leader on Thursday. Though the Shiv Sena and the BJP are seen as the ideological ally in Maharashtra fighting the elections together since 1989, the BJP is convinced that Mr Raj Thackeray will be more useful than Mr Uddhav Thackeray in the coming electoral battle.
The Shiv Sena-BJP-RPI(A) front has not emerged as an alternative to the Congress-NCP combine so far.
In Maharashtra, the BJP has always been seen as a junior partner of the Shiv Sena despite the fact that the BJP is a little ahead of the Sena in the number game in the Assembly.
Maharashtra BJP president Devendra Fadnavis’ recent meeting with Mr Raj Thackeray has not gone down well in the Shiv Sena. Now, the issue is can Uddhav, Raj, Gopinath Munde and Ramdas Athawale work together and defeat the Congress-NCP combine under the leadership of Mr Narendra Modi.
And in Bihar, the split between the JD(U) and the BJP is clearly perceptible if the BJP fights the coming Lok Sabha elections under Mr Narendra Modi’s leadership. “It is a matter of time. Nitish has no option but to quit the NDA if the BJP projects Modi as its PM candidate. He will be seen as a weak CM even if he makes compormise with the BJP to remain in power for a couple of years. Modi’s projection is going to lead to a political realignment in Bihar,” said a former MP from the state.
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