BJP hits back at its ally, says Shiv Sena indulging in 'selfish patriotism'

Mumbai: After Shiv Sena asked ally Bharatiya Janata Party to opt out of the coalition government in Maharashtra if it is was bored with its stand on various issues, the latter hit back accusing Sena of "duplicity" and "indulging in "selfish patriotism" keeping upcoming polls in mind.

"Sena is only indulging in selfish patriotism keeping the upcoming municipal elections in mind. The people will give them a befitting reply for their duplicity very soon," BJP Mumbai unit president Ashish Shelar said.

He further claimed that Sena even "disrespected" Babasaheb Ambedkar by not attending the ground-breaking ceremony of his memorial at Indu Mills.

"Sena has failed to understand Chhatrapati Shivaji and Dr Ambedkar. If they did, they wouldn't have boycotted the Indu Mills event giving vague reasons. They have disrespected Dr Ambedkar and are trying to teach us patriotism," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Sunday laid the foundation stone of a grand memorial to Babasaheb Ambedkar at the Indu Mills compound in the heart of Mumbai, a function boycotted by Shiv Sena, whose Chief Uddhav Thackeray was not invited.

Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam said the infighting between both the ruling parties has reached its peak now and that none of them are serving the purpose of being elected to power.

Opposition Congress and NCP were also quick to take potshots at the warring allies and said it was high time both the parties opt out of the government.

"The infighting between them has reached its peak now. By rule, both of them should give up their greed for power as they are not being able to run the government. They are more busy in banning meat and people from foreign nations," the Mumbai Congress chief said.

"The development of Maharashtra is suffering. This was not the purpose of bringing them to power," he said.

NCP leader Sachin Ahir claimed this is a battle of Hindutva between both the parties and that it is being played out only for vote bank politics.

"Why should Sena instruct BJP to opt out? This is a competitive battle between them because after the Dadri lynching episode, BJP gained much ground as a Hindutva party. Now, Sena had to get its share of voters back," Ahir said.

"While fighting for vote bank politics, they are maligning the country's name on foreign soil. They should immediately step out of power," he added.