The BJP-led NDA breathed a sigh of relief as support from the Left and the Samajwadi Party for its nationwide bandh yesterday ensured its success in the northern and eastern parts of the country, but there was no getting away from the fact that the stir against fuel price rise and FDI in retail was a tame affair in the state. The Shiv Sena, the oldest ally of the BJP in the state, decided to stay away from the bandh and the result was there for all to see.

Despite heading governments at the Centre and occupying the position of the principal opposition party of the nation over the years, the BJP has always been kept on tenterhooks by the Shiv Sena in the state.