Shiv Sena questions intentions behind LK Advani’s blog

Mumbai: Days after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran L.K. Advani said in a blog post that his party never regarded those who disagreed with it politically as ‘anti-national’, the Shiv Sena Saturday sought to know the intention behind his remarks.

Quoting Mr Advani’s statement that elections are a celebration of democracy and should be conducted in an impartial and fair manner, the Sena sought to know at whom his remarks were aimed.

In a blog post titled Nation First, Party Next, Self Last, Mr Advani said that the BJP had ‘never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our enemies.’

The Sena on Saturday hit out at Mr Advani’s blog in an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana which said, “Lal Krishna Advani has finally broken his silence. This time he has expressed himself through writing. He wrote a blog, but it took five long years for him to do so.”

The editorial read, “Calling people, who question air strikes as ‘anti-national’ is equally wrong as demanding proof of the air strike.” The Sena added that in election rallies, statements like the ‘Opposition is speaking the language of Pakistan and enemies’ were being made.

Sena lawmaker Sanjay Raut said that it was common practice making statements during election rallies. “Advani's writing seems to suggest that just as the Opposition is wrong in seeking proof of air strikes, it is also improper to consider the Opposition as anti-national. Those who are not with Mr Modi, are not with the nation is the focal point of BJP’s campaign and the Opposition is not ready to accept it,” the Sena said.

“During the campaign, the issues of development, progress, inflation have taken a backseat, while issues like Pakistan and national security have gained importance. It appeared that the issues of the sacrifice of the 40 jawans in the Pulwama terror attack and subsequent airstrikes left all other issues behind. But it was temporary,” the Sena said.