In Saamna Editorials, Shiv Sena's 'Modi-fied' Stand

New Delhi: In an editorial in its mouthpiece Saamna, the Shiv Sena has accused former BJP ally Nitish Kumar of enacting what it calls a "resignation drama" with the real intent of joining hands with Lalu Yadav to stop Narendra Modi. "This is an immoral alliance," the Sena said today.

Nitish Kumar resigned as Bihar's chief minister on Saturday taking responsibility for his party's rout in the national election. Many believe he is to be blamed for a colossal miscalculation in snapping ties with the BJP over Mr Modi's elevation last year.

Sena, the BJP's oldest ally, had in past editorials appeared sceptical of the "Modi wave".

In March, in the middle of a public spat with the BJP over its overtures towards Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's estranged cousin Raj Thackeray, a Saamna editorial said, "If there is a nationwide wave in favour of Narendra Modi, Mr Gadkari should not worry about the MNS." The BJP's Nitin Gadkari had claimed he met Raj Thackeray to ask him not to contest the election as it would divide anti-Congress votes. (Gadkari a businessman adept at making deals)

A year ago, the Sena was even more circumspect about Mr Modi and appeared to side with Nitish Kumar.

In an editorial in April, 2013, the Sena warned "old friends can be separated over the wrong candidate", in response to Nitish Kumar's threat to snap ties if Mr Modi was declared the BJP-led coalition's prime ministerial candidate. (Shiv Sena appears to warn BJP against Modi for PM)

Mr Kumar is among those who accuse Mr Modi of not doing enough to stop the 2002 riots on his watch. A Supreme Court inquiry has found no evidence of his alleged role in inciting the violence.

In the same editorial, the Sena said Mr Modi cannot be blamed for the riots. "Had anybody else been in Modi's place, the riots would still have taken place," the Sena editorial said.

As Uddhav Thackeray makes a rare visit to Delhi today, he is firmly in the list of leaders who are behind Mr Modi as PM.