RELEVANCE OF UPA: SHIV SENA, NCP DIFFER WITH MAMATA

In a relief to the Congress, its alliance partners in Maharashtra — Shiv Sena and NCP — have distanced themselves from West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee saying that the opposition alliance will not be possible without the grand old party.

The Sena even said that creating an Opposition alliance parallel to the UPA without the Congress is akin to strengthening the ruling BJP and the ‘fascist’ forces. “Those who don’t want a Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) should make their stand clear publicly, instead of creating confusion by talking behind back,” said the Shiv Sena in an editorial in its party mouthpiece Saamana.

Thackeray-led party’s stand is seen as a snub to the Trinamool Congress chief ’s remarks that the UPA does not exist in the country. During her visit to Mumbai, Ms Banerjee, who has reportedly strained its ties with the Congress, had said there should be a strong alternative that can fight against the BJP.

Sena said, “Prashant Kishor has remarked remarks that the Congress did not have a divine right to lead the Opposition parties. But no one gets a divine right. Leadership is a secondary issue, but there should at least be a decision on coming together.”

NCP’s Nawab Malik too said that the opposition unity will not happen without the Congress. “Sharad Pawar has been working towards to bring all opposition parties together along with the Congress. Mamata Banerjee is also saying that opposition parties should join hands together. Who will lead the opposition front is not an urgent issue,” he said.