MLA's letter to Uddhav on BJP ties puts Sena in spot

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena MLA and spokesperson Pratap Sarnaik's letter to Maharashtra CM and party chief Uddhav Thackeray is being seen by Sena insiders as an act that does not fit in with the party's style of functioning.
The letter, which calls for an alliance with the BJP in the face of alleged "harassment" of Sarnaik, Sena minister Anil Parab and former minister Ravindra Waikar by Central agencies, has put the Sena leadership in a spot, party sources said.
A senior Sena minister, who did not wish to be named, said, "Sena functionaries are not known for writing such letters. It is quite uncharacteristic of the party. The CM and the party leadership, however, are not taking it too seriously, and it seems to be an attempt to seek protection, at least in terms of perception."
The minister explained that on all key issues, including those related to the MVA government, the relationship with the BJP and the upcoming civic polls, the CM had held discussions with ministers and senior Sena functionaries. The Sena, in view of the BMC polls, has already started an internal analysis on whether to go solo or ally with the NCP.
A political observer said, "If a leader or party office-bearer has any issues, they are taken up directly with the leadership. Writing a letter to the CM and making it public is not the Sena's style and may indicate the growing gap between Sena leaders and the top leadership, which is now part of the government. There seems to be a communication gap, and it is also alarming that MLAs are claiming that they are fighting lonely battles with little or no support from the party machinery despite being in power."
Sarnaik, who is under the ED scanner in a money laundering case, had in his letter pointed to discontent among other Sena MLAs and the threat the Sena faced because of attempts by its current alliance partners, NCP and Congress, to weaken the party. He claimed an alliance with ex-partner BJP will be beneficial to him and other Sena leaders such as Parab and Waikar and stated that he, along with his family, had been fighting a legal battle for the last seven months without getting support from the party and state government.
Sena MP Sanjay Raut and NCP minister Hasan Mushrif dismissed Sarnaik's claims. Raut said there was no groupism within the party and there was a strong bond between the MVA partners. He also clarified that the party was with Sarnaik. Mushrif said it has already been decided that NCP and Congress will not poach Sena leaders. "Both NCP and Congress are allowed to induct or poach each other's leaders, but it has been decided that we will not touch the Sena," he said.