This Article is From Oct 07, 2014

'If PM Narendra Modi a Star, Why Does He Need Rallies in Maharashtra?', Taunts Shiv Sena

'If PM Narendra Modi a Star, Why Does He Need Rallies in Maharashtra?', Taunts Shiv Sena

Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigning in Maharashtra

The Shiv Sena has pointed a fresh set of barbs at former ally BJP, questioning why its "star", Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has to miss his work in Delhi and address rallies in Maharashtra.

"Leaving his work in Delhi, PM Modi is busy addressing rallies in Maharashtra," the Sena said in an editorial in its mouthpiece Saamna, adding, "If Modi had mass appeal as projected by the BJP, instead of 25-30 campaigns in Maharashtra, he would have sat in Delhi and appealed for votes and people would have definitely listened to him."

Maharashtra votes for a new government on October 15. The results will be announced four days later.

The Sena's taunts about PM Modi's multiple rallies in Maharashtra appeared in tandem with similar comments by Raj Thackeray, the estranged cousin of Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, alleging a "larger design" in the campaign.

"Can you imagine a Prime Minister holding 23 rallies for the Maharashtra assembly polls? Why is he so focused on Maharashtra? There is a larger design behind this campaign. It is not confined to just displaying the political might of BJP or Modi. It is aimed at controlling the financial capital of India," Raj Thackeray was quoted as saying by a newspaper.

Raj Thackeray, who had earlier praised Narendra Modi's leadership, has rallied behind the Sena since its 25-year alliance with the BJP ended last month over the sharing of seats for the polls.

During the break-up, Uddhav Thackeray made two phone calls to Raj Thackeray, sparking talk about reconciliation though both denied anything political in the chats.

Since the split, the BJP and the Sena have traded increasingly sharp blows, though PM Modi said at a rally on the weekend that he would not say anything against the Sena in the "first election since (Sena supremo) Balasaheb Thackeray's death."

The Sena retorted in today's editorial, "We don't want to comment on Modi but what has he done for Maharashtra after becoming PM?" The party also mocked what it called his "sudden devotion" for its icon, the 17th century warrior king Shivaji. "BJP leaders have a sudden newfound love for Shivaji, but why are they silent on key concerns of Maharashtra?" it asked.
.