BJP’s alliance with AIMIM, Congress shameful display of hypocrisy: Shiv Sena (UBT) in 'Saamana'

Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic

Amid ongoing election activity in the 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has launched a fierce attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of abandoning its core ideology for the sake of power, reported news agency IANS.

‘Shameful display of hypocrisy': Saamana editorial on BJP's political moves

The party described the BJP's recent political manoeuvres in Maharashtra as a "shameful display of hypocrisy" following revelations of local alliances with the AIMIM and the Congress party.

The Thackeray camp in the party mouthpiece Saamana editorial said, "The BJP's current mindset is to do whatever it takes to stay in power and avoid sitting in the opposition as it lacks an original ideology; their Hindutva is a pretence used for selfish political gain…," reported IANS.

AIMIM called BJP's ‘hidden helper' in elections

The editorial alleged that the BJP has frequently utilised Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM as a "hidden helper" in elections across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra to divide opposition votes.

"Whenever Owaisi arrives in Maharashtra to give the 'call to prayer' (Azaan), it is a signal that the BJP has begun its election preparations," said the editorial, describing the relationship as a covert alliance that has now surfaced publicly.

Municipal council alliances cited as proof

The Thackeray camp referred to recent developments in municipal councils, accusing the BJP of entering into an "open marriage" with AIMIM in Akot and collaborating with the Congress in Ambernath to weaken the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.

After public outcry, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attempted damage control by promising action and severing alliances, but the editorial claimed the reputational damage to the BJP was irreversible.

Secret negotiations exposed, says Thackeray camp

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena further alleged that negotiations, bargaining, and secret meetings for political tie-ups were initially conducted privately until they were exposed.

According to the editorial, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoted the slogan of "Congress-mukt Bharat", the BJP has now transformed into a "Congress-yukt BJP".

BJP accused of importing leaders from rival parties

"The BJP has absorbed corrupt Congress leaders into its fold… Nearly 80 per cent of the BJP's MLAs, MPs, and corporators are imports from the Congress, NCP, or Shiv Sena," it alleged, reported IANS.

The Thackeray camp concluded that by recruiting corrupt leaders and criminals to secure electoral victories, the BJP's only remaining policy is winning elections at any cost.

(With inputs from IANS)