Uddhav's strength has diminished, says Rane on Sena (UBT) announcing to go solo in local body polls
The Hindu
BJP MP Narayan Rane criticizes Shiv Sena's decision to contest local elections alone, questioning Uddhav Thackeray's leadership strength.
BJP MP Narayan Rane on Sunday (January 12, 2024) slammed Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray over the party's announcement about contesting the local bodies elections solo, alleging that the latter's strength had diminished.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday (January 11, 2024) announced to contest local bodies polls solo, raising a question mark over the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi's unity. Party leader Sanjay Raut cited the lack of opportunities for workers of respective parties in an alliance and the right to organisational growth as the considerations for contesting solo.
Mr. Raut said the INDIA bloc and MVA alliances — comprising Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP) — were meant for the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Rane said, "Uddhav Thackeray once spoke with confidence, but now his strength has diminished. What will happen if they contest alone? The party no longer has the capability. In two and a half years, he has lost what was achieved under Balasaheb Thackeray in 46 years."
The announcement of the Shiv Sena (UBT) to go solo in local body elections comes amid rumours that the party is softening its criticism of the BJP and Fadnavis' "anything can happen in politics" remark.
Asked about the perception of growing closeness between the Sena (UBT) and BJP, the former union minister said, "I am unaware of it. It feels fine to me. Senior leaders will make a decision on this, and we will accept it."
He also refused to comment on whether the BJP would contest the local body elections independently.
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