Terming the Hindutva ideology of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena as true nationalism, the saffron alliance on Sunday launched its campaign for general elections from Kolhapur in western Maharashtra.
“Our alliance is not for power, it is for ideology. We are proud to be Hindutvavadis. Our Hindutva is beyond religion, caste and region. It involves everyone who loves the nation. That is our nationalism,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing a public rally in Kolhapur.
The saffron alliance launched its campaign living up to the tradition nurtured by Sena founder late Bal Thackeray, who, during his tenure, made it a point to launch every election campaign from the city after taking blessings from goddess Mahalaxmi.
Mr. Fadnavis claimed that there are only two ideologies. “One in national interest and the second asks questions to armed forces. There are only two entities which ask questions to the forces —Pakistan and the Congress. Those who are asking these questions should drown in a handful of water,” he said.
Mr. Fadnavis said that it was the present political leadership which has the guts to give a free hand to armed forces. “Rahul Gandhi’s aide Sam Pitroda asks about the need for a counter-attack against Pakistan. These people have no sensitivity towards those who died in terror attacks but care for Pakistan,” he said.
Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said, “People ask us the reason behind the alliance. It was the people’s wish. People are with the alliance because our PM candidate is fixed. Who is your prime ministerial candidate? Two of them, [NCP chief] Sharad Pawar and [Bahujan Samaj Party leader] Mayawati, have already refused to contest,” he said. The CM, taunting Mr. Pawar over his decision to not contest polls, said that the playing captain has now become the 12th player.
Taking a dig at the Congress and the NCP, that is facing an exodus of leaders, Mr. Thackeray said leaders of these parties daily check with their colleagues as to whether they are still with their respective parties. “Yes, we came together for power. But we want power for betterment of the poor,” he said.