This story is from June 22, 2021

Mumbai: MLA’s letter ‘flouts Sena style, puts CM in a spot’

Mumbai: MLA’s letter ‘flouts Sena style, puts CM in a spot’
Mumbai: Shiv Sena MLA and spokesperson Pratap Sarnaik’s letter to 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, Sena 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. In fact, the letter has come as a shock for us too. The CM and the party leadership 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 Sena functionaries. The Sena, in view of the BMC polls, has 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 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 MLAs are claiming they are fighting lonely battles with little or no support from the party 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.

While Sena old-timers said the party should not have allied with its traditional opponents after the last assembly polls and should have preferred to sit in the opposition , the other view is that it is now a prestige issue for the party to stick to the NCP and Congress, having had a bitter parting of ways with the BJP.
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 MVA partners. He clarified the party was with Sarnaik. On a tie-up with BJP, Raut said a decision on contesting future elections would be taken at an appropriate time. “MVA government will complete its term, and the common minimum programme is the soul of the alliance,” Raut added. Replying to a question by mediapersons about which ‘asana’ he would suggest to BJP on International Yoga Day, he replied, “Shavasan.” Mushrif said it has been decided t NCP and Congress will not poach Sena leaders.
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