Sena should take a call pertaining to whether it should continue to have an alliance with BJP in the state says Rane.
Congress leader Narayan Rane took a jibe at Shiv Sena by saying that the party won’t quit Fadnavis government unless and until it is ousted. Rane added that the government will fall as soon as Sena withdraws support and there is no need to bring in a no confidence motion against them. He said that ahead of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election Sena leaders had threatened to withdraw support to the Fadnavis government but they didn’t tender their resignation. Rane hinted that Congress and NCP are likely to bring no confidence motion against the government as it won’t have mandate if Sena withdraws support. He added that the government is short of 23 seats required for majority therefore it is dependent on Sena. There is uncertainty pertaining to the stability of the government.
“Shiv Sena should take a call pertaining to whether it should continue to have an alliance with the BJP in the state. The party won’t quit the government until it is shown the door. Sena is keen to remain in power at any cost,” said Rane.
“There is no need for a no confidence motion if Sena quits the government. The government lacks mandate and is dependent on Sena’s support. If Sena withdraws support then the government will fall,” he added.
Rane also took potshots at BJP and said, “BJP should realise that it has not won the BMC elections and has only improved its tally in the polls. No party has clear majority to stake claim for mayor’s post in the civic body.”
On the other hand, Sena is rethinking about its decision to withdraw support to the Fadnavis government. BJP’s good performance in the BMC polls has forced Sena leadership to rethink about its strategy to pull out of the government.
According to sources from Sena, “If we quit the government, then it may lead to mid-term polls and the BJP will win more seats and emerge stronger. If BJP’s performance improves then it will put us in a state of bother.”
The BJP has won 8 out of 10 municipal corporation elections in the state. Even though Shiv Sena has emerged as the single largest party in the BMC polls by winning 84 seats but the party lacks majority. Since 114 seats are required for reaching the simple majority mark Sena may have to rely on Congress support. However, some leaders of Congress party are reluctant to have tie-up with Sena as it may hamper their electoral prospects in Uttar Pradesh assembly polls. Right now all parties are adopting a wait and watch mode and a clear picture will only emerge by March 9, the date when parties will have to claim majority.
