Shiv Sena-BJP Cross Swords Over Uddhav Thackeray's Ayodhya Visit

Mumbai: Stung by the BJP's criticism of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's visit to Ayodhya, the Sena responded in an editorial in its party mouthpiece, Saamana attacking its former ally. The editorial described the Maharashtra chief minister's Ayodhya visit as a highly successful one.

The Sena reminded the BJP that it had parted ways with its former ally, but had not distanced itself from Hindutva. Its core ideology had nothing to do with the party's alliance with Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), the editorial added.

The Saamana editorial also pointed out that the Shiv Sena was the first party to make a donation to the temple at Ayodhya during Uddhav Thackeray's visit and wondered why the BJP was upset about his pilgrimage.

While the chief Minister and members of his family went to the temple town of Ayodhya to pray at the Ram Lalla shrine, the Maharashtra unit of BJP ridicules this as a farce, it remarked. The editorial further said that this observation by the BJP on the Sena's commitment to Hindutva, itself was a farce.

The Sena mouthpiece further said that the parties with different ideologies had come together under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and were united in providing justice to all sections of society. They had a common commitment to take care of the poorest of poor in terms of social justice, food, shelter and clothing, it said. This was true 'raj dharma' as spelt out by Lord Rama, it said.

The Saamana reflecting the Sena's strong views said that Ayodhya was not the private property of anyone, but belonged to all who had faith in Lord Ram. If BJP leaders had respect for Lord Ram in their hearts, they should stop beating their chests as it would hurt Lord Ram, it added.