Sena may raise issues on BJP’s policy

Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray may raise a few points against the The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) policy towards other constituents of the NDA government and against the government’s “not in public interest” decisions. However, Mr Thackeray will raise these issues during the meeting with BJP national president Amit Shah on Wednesday, provided the latter gives a presentation on the performance of the Union government. However, if Mr Shah does not open dialogue, the Sena too, will treat the meeting as a courtesy visit, much like the time sought by presidents of four other political parties to meet Mr Thackeray.

Lately, BJP has been wooing NDA partners whom it ignored for the past four years, and this is being seen as the party’s last-ditch attempt to retain power in the upcoming elections. BJP’s initiating a dialogue with NDA allies and Mr Shah’s meeting public figures is being perceived in a similar light.

During Mr Shah’s meeting with Mr Thackeray, the latter may oppose projects of the Union government such as Nanar, bullet train and others only if Mr Shah initiates discussion about the performance of the Modi government. Mr Thackeray may also raise the issue about BJP not consulting the Sena on important decisions despite the latter being a NDA ally and partner in government. However, if Mr Shah refrains from discussing the BJP-Sena alliance and other political issues, the Sena, too, will treat the meeting casually and consider Mr Shah as one of the four other political party presidents who have sought time to meet Mr Thackeray.

Meanwhile, the BJP is not expecting much from the meeting, politically speaking. The party wants to demonstrate that it is ready for dialogue and does not take an arrogant stance with allies, said sources.