Sena snubs Didi’s ‘no UPA’ remark
Says creating UPA-like alliance without Congress akin to strengthening ‘fascist’ forces
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 in the country 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.
The Uddhav Thackerayled 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 recent 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.
The Congress had hit back at her saying it was the only viable alternative to the BJP.
Shiv Sena said, “The TMC spokesperson Prashant Kishor has made historic 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.”
If even those people who are fighting the BJP feel that the Congress should cease to exist, then this attitude is the ‘biggest threat.’ Creating an opposition alliance parallel to the UPA without the Congress is akin to strengthening the ruling BJP and the ‘fascist’ forces, said the Sena.
NCP spokesperson 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 the Opposition parties should join hands together. Who will lead the opposition front is not an urgent issue,” he added.