Sena-BJP rift may deepen over Thackeray's remarks
Prerana Thakurdesai
Tuesday, January 22, 2008, (Mumbai)
Even as the BJP is lobbying for Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the Bharat Ratna, its alliance partner in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena, has categorically stated that no one is deserving of the award.
It was celebration time at the Shiv Sena headquarters, after the reappointment of Udhav Thackeray as the party's executive president was confirmed.
However, even as crackers mark the occasion, a storm has broken over his father Balasaheb's latest salvo that no living Indian deserves the Bharat Ratna.
It's a comment that could deepen the rift in the already-shaky BJP-Sena alliance with the BJP lobbying for Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the country's highest civilian honour.
"What more can I say? Balasaheb has said it all. We feel that Bharat Ratna should be awarded to someone who's like those who have previously received it," said Uddhav Thackeray, Executive President, Shiv Sena.
Only two weeks ago, senior BJP leader L K Advani urged the Centre to confer the Bharat Ratna on the former prime minister, a request that sparked off a nomination spree, with almost ever political party in the country throwing their hats into the ring.
"Vajpayee has been a Member of Parliament for so long, and he has been the prime minister who took the country towards development. He should be awarded the Bharat Ratna," said Prakash Javadekar, Spokesperson, BJP.
The BJP is upset, but has chosen to hold its fire and not further embarrass their alliance.
Bal Thackeray's ability to kick start a political storm against his opponents and allies though his party mouthpiece is not new.
And his comment that no one deserved the Bharat Ratna when the BJP has clearly pitched for its former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will further create ripples in a not too happy alliance.