State forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has emerged as troubleshooter between BJP and Shiv Sena. After his meeting with Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, tension between the parties seems to have eased, as was seen during the tree plantation programme. Though Mr Mungantiwar said that no political issues were discussed between Mr Thackeray and himself, he agreed that the meeting helped to assuage the tension between BJP and Sena.
Earlier, whenever such a situation arose, late Pramod Mahajan and Gopinath Munde would rush to Matoshree to soothe frayed nerves. From the looks of it, Mr Mungantiwar will henceforth be the messenger of BJP leaders, including party president Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
For the past few weeks, there has been mudslinging between the two allies. After BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari’s article in the party publication Manogat compared Mr Thackeray with comic Asrani’s turn as the jailer in Sholay, Sena cadres set on fire an effigy of Mumbai BJP president, Ashish Shelar. Sena also put up posters of Mr Shah and Mr Bhandari dressed as Gabbar and Samba, respectively, from the film.
BJP warned that it was strong enough to give a fitting reply. BJP also threatened to burn copies of Saamana — Sena’s mouthpiece. A BJP leader said Mr Mungantiwar’s meeting would once again normalise relations. “Earlier, when such a situation arose, we had leaders like late Pramod Mahajan. Sena Supremo late Balasaheb Thackeray had faith in Mr Mahajan and hence, his intervention cleared the fog of doubts and misunderstandings,” said a source, adding, “Unfortunately, the 25-year-old alliance broke before the Assembly polls; it was an unpleasant decision for cadres of both parties. Eknath Khadse became the villain in a night as he had announced the breakup of the alliance,” said the source.
He said that later, BJP Mumbai president Ashish Shelar’s aggressiveness became the cause for the widening rift between BJP and Sena. “We dont have any leader with us who can speak with Uddhavji. During the Lok Sabha poll, Chandrakant Dada emerged as messenger between Sena and BJP, but this time, situation was different. Thanks to Sudhirbhau, whose nature is friendly and who has friends in all political parties,” he added.
Mr Mungantiwar said that ‘Uddhavji’s anger, if any, would have been diluted.’ “We are natural friends and our alliance will remain forever,” he said. He added that he was not sure whether he would be the troubleshooter of the party, but whenever his party needed, he would continue dialogue with leaders of ally Sena.
