Sena lashes out at RPI, BJP
By inviting the MNS into the Shiv Sena-BJP-RPI mega-alliance, RPI chief Ramdas Athawale has also invited the wrath of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who on Tuesday criticised both the RPI and BJP leaders for their overtures. Mr Athawale responded by saying that he had taken the decision only after Uddhav extended the olive branch to his cousin and MNS chief Raj Thackeray.
Changing his stance, Mr Athawale on Sunday hd said that he would welcome the MNS if they decided to join the mega-alliance to defeat the ruling Democratic Front (DF) government, which has upset the Sena leadership. Reacting to this, the Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamana lashed out against the BJP-RPI leaders through its editorials.
In the editorial, Uddhav said that the people wanted to oust the DF government. However, they do not want tasteless khichdi, but a stable government that the mega-alliance was capable of.
The Saamna editorial has also advised BJP leaders to first set their own house in order, indirectly referring to the differences between Mr Gadkari and Mr Munde.
On the sidelines of this, Mr Athawale and senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde met at Rangsharda Hotel on Tuesday. The meeting between the leaders lasted for an hour.
Following the meeting, the RPI leader said that he has invited Raj to join the mega-alliance only after Uddhav extended an olive branch to his cousin a few months ago. “I have no objection to forming an alliance with the MNS, as I don’t want division of votes because of me,” Mr Athawale said.
He, however, added that the decision of joining hands with the MNS would be taken by Uddhav. “The decision to include MNS in the mega-alliance of Shiv Sena-BJP-RPI would be taken at the coordination committee meeting due next week to be attended by Uddhav and Mr Munde,” Mr Athawale stated.
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