Uddhav's cool-headed strategy makes BJP furious

Sena chief has now put ball in BJP's court indicating that Shiv Sena's tiger is back to roar. Sanjay Jog reports

Eyebrows were raised when, three days ago, former Shiv Sena leader and now Nationalist Congress Party minister Chhagan Bhujbal termed Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray a ‘cool-headed’ politician and a strategist to boot.

Bhujbal's comment came amidst the volatile political situation in Maharashtra, especially when Shiv Sena's 25-year-old alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party is on the verge of collapse. Notably, the Congress-NCP combine, too, is under the threat of a split due to aggressive postures by the parties.

Uddhav’s tough stand on seat-sharing with the BJP has helped him to once again rejuvenate his party and prove his leadership in the absence of Bal Thackeray. Shiv Sainiks from across the state are also exerting pressure on Uddhav not to bend before the BJP and remain firm in a bid to maintain the party’s supremacy in Maharashtra. They remind the BJP not to forget that it was Shiv Sena, which helped spread its wings across the state.

Fifty-three year-old Uddhav, an alumnus of the J J School of Arts and an avid wildlife enthusiast, has also sent a loud and clear message to the BJP that the Shiv Sena is a giver and not a taker. Further, Uddhav, who has already clarified he will not shy away from taking any responsibility including the post of Maharashtra's chief minister, reminded the BJP it is not just the Modi wave but the Bal Thackeray wave, too, is crucial when it comes to winning the Maharashtra assembly polls.

Uddhav is yet to forget party's humiliation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered a non-lucrative ministry of heavy industries and public enterprises to Anant Gite. Besides, he is also hurt after the BJP-led government sidelined Shiv Sena on key issues including the appointment of new governors, removal of the Maharashtra governor and also during the constitution of key government committees. Therefore, he signaled that the BJP should not take Shiv Sena for a ride.

Uddhav's new avatar has simply bowled the BJP who was under impression that alliance remains a mere formality especially after the performance of BJP-Shiv Sena led Maha Yuti in Maharashtra.

Uddhav has now put ball in the BJP's court indicating that Shiv Sena's tiger is back to roar.

Image: Shiv Sena Presdint Uddhav Thackeray at Sena Bhavan, the part headquarters in Mumbai. Photograph: Sahil Salvi