Shiv Sena alleged that "Bhakts" have turned PM Narendra Modi into a "God" and are "putting him in trouble."
Highlights
- Sena editorial slams govt's publicity blitz for its schemes
- Centre's schemes have not reached drought-hit Marathwada: Sena
- Sena, an ally of BJP, has been sharply criticising the Centre
The Shiv Sena has once again targeted ally BJP and the central government it leads, sarcastically alleging that "
Bhakts" have turned Prime Minister Narendra Modi into a "God" and are "putting him in trouble."
The Sena said in an editorial in its newspaper Saamna this morning, "Some senior BJP leaders have been stating that PM Modi is an
Avatar, an embodiment of God. It's a question of faith. But Congress leaders also once said 'Indira is India, India is Indira'. Despite using public money for their own praise, the Congress had failed. Today's, Central leadership should remember this. Be it politicians or God, it's their
bhakts (devotees) who put them in trouble."
It did not attack PM Modi directly, but criticised his government's plan for a publicity blitz to celebrate the "success of its schemes" as it completes two years.
"Venkaiah Naidu said that there will be more publicity of the Centre's schemes. Publicity would be done at movie halls through videos before the film begins. Now after making the PM a God, this was bound to happen," the editorial said.
In more jibes, the Sena wondered whether the Pathankot attack in Jammu and Kashmir or the Chief Justice of India breaking down before the Prime Minister last weekend will be projected as successes or failures of the government.
The Centre's schemes, the article alleged, have not reached the drought-affected regions of Maharashtra, where the BJP and Shiv Sena govern in partnership.
"Schemes haven't reached Marathwada and Bundelkhand - which have become like cremations grounds - in the past two years, and it wouldn't help if you showed a film blaming this on the previous government's failures," it said.
And in a word of advice, "PM Modi is determined to change the image of India but is this the time to show his successes..Such talk is only appropriate in the fifth year of the government, right now it will only be criticized by the opposition."
The Sena has been doling out almost daily doses of sharp criticism for its ally ever since it had to swallow pride and play junior partner after state elections in Maharashtra.