Shiv Sena set to contest Bihar elections, but not as part of NDA

The Shiv Sena which shares an uneasy alliance with the BJP has said that it will contest elections in Bihar. “We will be contesting elections in Bihar. A formal decision on the number of seats will be announced soon,” Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said. The party will not be contesting as part of the NDA.

Shiv Sena MP Anil Desai a close confidante of party president Uddhav Thackeray has been making rounds of Bihar for the past few days. The party is also contemplating holding rallies to be addressed by Uddhav Thackeray.

The Sena claimed that it will fight election on the issue of development and its core ideology of Hindutva. “We are not concerned about other parties. Those who think it will cause split of votes should ensure that we are accommodated honorably in seat sharing,” Raut added.

The Sena shares a uneasy relationship with the BJP despite being part of the BJP-led government.

The Sena has been forced to play second fiddle to the BJP which has become the dominant partner. It is a role reversal of sorts for the Sena which had played a dominant role in the three decade old alliance with the BJP. The role reversal took place after the dramatic electoral performances of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah duo.

However with the recent reverses and controversies that have plagued the BJP, the Shiv Sena has become increasingly become vocal in taking swipes at its alliance partner.

With the elections for the cash rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation which has a budget of Rs 20000 crore just around the corner the Sena is trying to step out of the BJPs shadow.

Courtesy:  Indian Express