Sena fails to pacify rebels, seeks chief’s help

Uddhav Thackeray will hold three rallies in city to boost party prospects, say local leaders

VASHI: The Shiv Sena’s local leadership has failed to douse the flames of rebellion and discontentment among party ranks and files over denial of tickets for NMMC polls.

As the dissent voices intensify, it has sought party chief Uddhav Thackeray’s help in leading poll campaign.

The party is facing rebellion in around 40 seats in the civic body polls.

Deputy leader of S h iv Sena Vijay Nahata had said “Thackeray will address three poll campaign rallies in the city. It will help boost the prospects of our party and the morale of our workers.”

As per the seat- sharing formula, Shiv Sena got 68 seats and BJP 43 seats. Of the 68 seats, Shiv Sena has given tickets to several new entrants, leaving loyal party workers annoyed.

There is also speculation that Shiv Sena is supporting the Congress in several seats. The speculation fuelled further discontentment among party workers.

Nahata had said that the party would talk to the rebels and make them withdraw from the fray. However, despite efforts, the rebels refused to back down and this has become a cause of worry for the party.

A Shiv Sena leader said: “Stung by party workers’ criticism over denial of tickets, no local leader wants to lead the poll campaign in the city. Due to internal fighting and rebellions, party workers’ morale is low. It will affect the party’s poll campaign.”

He added: “Hence, local leaders met Thackeray and asked him to lead the party’s poll campaign. Thackeray has consented to address three election rallies.”

On Saturday, Nahata said: “We are confident that the rebellion will not have much of an effect.”

NAHATA HAD SAID THAT THE PARTY WOULD TALK TO THE REBELS AND MAKE THEM WITHDRAW FROM THE FRAY

BACHCHAN KUMAR Shiv Sena candidates Shivram Patil and Anita Patil campaign at Kopar Khairane.