Shiv Sena steps up attack, distributes booklet on BJP govt ‘scams’

Uddhav Thackeray

The Shiv Sena intensified its attack on the BJP Wednesday and distributed a booklet titled "Ghotalebaaz BJP" (Scamster BJP) to its senior party office- bearers. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray also asked his party leaders to be ready for an early poll. The booklet lists over a dozen "scams" that have taken place under the present BJP-led government. It also lists the names of BJP ministers and the total value of the "scams". The booklet was distributed during a meeting called by Thackeray of all important party office bearers from across the state.

Thackeray is said to have told them to use the details of the booklet to "highlight the corruption" under the present BJP government. The booklet states that over the past few years, there has been a rise in corruption cases being filed under the state Anti Corruption Bureau. The booklet further states that 30 of the 40 departments in the state, which are headed by BJP ministers, have the maximum cases of corruption against them, adding that a government report suggests the home and revenue departments lead the list of complaints of corruption.

The booklet also highlights that those companies which were blacklisted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation under the Shiv Sena rule, were subsequently awarded tenders by the BJP government.

While addressing the party leaders, Thackeray is said to have told them to make the public aware of the deeds of BJP ministers and also asked them to be ready for all eventualities, including early polls in the state.

The Shiv Sena, over the past few days, appears to have hardened its stance against the BJP and has been vociferous in opposing policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The recent aggression of the Sena is perceived to be due to the imminent induction of Narayan Rane in the state's cabinet. Rane, a former Sainik who joined the Congress and later quit it too, is a bete noire of Uddhav Thackeray.

A section of the Sena, however, believes that the occasional outbursts from the Sena is a strategy to ensure a fair deal in the upcoming cabinet expansion in the state.

The Sena on Tuesday had said that the BJP was free to take a call if it did not feel comfortable with its alliance partner.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier said that the Sena must realise that it cannot play the role of a ruling party and opposition simultaneously. It was a rare attack by the chief minister on the BJP's long-time ally, which has been routinely critical of both the state government and the Modi dispensation.