Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party to break the alliance the two parties share before the upcoming civic elections in Mumbai. The right-wing party's leader said, “If you [BJP] want to break the alliance, do it today. We’ll then show you our surgical strike.” The Zilla Parishad, Thane Municipal Corporation and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections will be held in 2017.
Thackeray, at Shiv Sena's annual Dussera rally at Shivaji park, said, "Leave the decision on the alliance to me.” His statements follow BJP Mumbai MP Kirit Somaiya's announcement that the party was considering going solo for the elections.
Thackeray said, “Shiv Sena and Mumbai are synonymous with one another. It is a relation of blood, and cannot be severed. If you [BJP] wish to come together, you are welcome. But we will not come begging before you,” he said.
Shiv Sena has attacked its alliance partner on several occasions, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for 'roaming the world' amid increasing violence across the country.
While Thackeray praised the BJP's handling of conducting surgical strikes against terror launchpads along the Line of Control, he reportedly said the Centre should not stop there. He also criticised Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's for accusing Modi of politicising the deaths of Indian soldiers after the surgical strikes and describing it as "dalali".
The Pathankot attacks, along with the Uri attacks on September, have led to increased tension between India and Pakistan. Security forces have been on high alert ever since.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!