Aurangabad, June 21:
Displeasure and restlessness prevailed amongst the office-bearers and the activists of both the BJP and Shiv Sena parties after the Sena's leader MLA Pratap Sarnaik sent a letter to the party head and the chief minister Uddhav Thackeray stating to join hands with BJP so as to avoid harassment in future. Sarnaik is on the radar of the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Meanwhile, Sena activists pointed out that self-respect should not be mortgaged, while BJP activists said the alliance is natural and Sena should accept our leadership.
Sena and BJP are planning to contest civic elections against each other. The activists of both parties have been against each other for the past 20 months. Now, the proposal of alliance with each other has paved a way for the discussion.
Shiv Sena's reaction
Former corporator Raju Vaidya said, " Who are we to teach our party leaders. MLA Sarnaik would have met in person rather than publicly saying about the letter. There is a discipline in Sena and Matoshri's word is final."
Balasaheb Gaikwad said, " The party chief will take the decision. However, it is my personal opinion that there is no meaning in joining hands with BJP remembering harassment meted out in the past."
Deputy city chief Dnyaneshwar Dange said, " We will be directionless after going with BJP. Sena should struggle with whom and how long. Sena is a party with self-respect and how it is possible to mortgage it."
The city chief Vishwanath Swami said, " It is not wise to surrender. The separation with BJP was due to self-respect. MLA Sarnaik has expressed his personal opinion. However, the party will take the final decision."
BJP's reaction
BJP circle officer Laxmikant Thete said, " The alliance should be there considering Hindutva. Like Sarnaik, all Senamen should also realise it."
Hemant Khedkar said, " We should forget the past and move ahead. Both the parties should unit for the sake of Hindu voters. All should think on the lines of Sarnaik."
Former corporator Pankaj Barsakhale said, " There is no issue in joining hands. The alliance is natural. Sena should accept the leadership of Fadnavis. The common activist desirous to contest the election needs an alliance."
Sanjay Khambayate said, " This is a natural alliance. BJP's senior leaders will take a decision on it. The emotions of Sarnaik could be of all party members."