NDA allies felicitate BJP on foundation day

Less than two weeks after a major NDA ally, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) pulled out of the alliance, and reports that other allies were less than happy with the BJP, the party got some warmth and approbation from allies big and small on its 38th foundation day.

From the Shiv Sena, which has already declared that it will fight the next elections on its own, to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, whose party People’s Democratic Front is in an uneasy alliance with the BJP in the State, took to Twitter to felicitate the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the milestone.

“Sthapana diwas (foundation day) greetings to BJP. My party, the Shiv Sena is the BJP’s oldest ally and we have together provided strong and inclusive leadership to the people of Maharashtra whenever we have got a chance. Also Prime Minister Narendra Modi has great regard for late Balasaheb Thackeray,” tweeted Union Minister Anant Geete.

Change from usual

The tweet is certainly a departure from the tough talk and fiery editorials carried in the party’s mouthpiece Saamna almost daily, hinting that some rapprochement may be in sight.

Ms. Mufti too was warm in her felicitations. “I sincerely hope that India under @narendramodiji (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) can truly exhibit the moral leadership of the region by winning the trust hearts and minds of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.

The BJP and the PDP are locked in an uneasy partnership in the Valley.