Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray addresses a gathering during his visit to Bharadi Devi temple in Angnewadi of Sindhudurg on Sunday.
The BJP's biggest and oldest ally, the Shiv Sena, has confirmed that its chief Uddhav Thackeray will attend
Narendra Modi's oath ceremony on Monday despite the presence of Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, but has in a firm statement reiterated that it believes, "It is difficult to trust Pakistan."
In a step described as bold, Mr Modi has invited the leaders of India's neighbours to attend his swearing in ceremony as the country's next Prime Minister. Pakistan has confirmed that its Prime Minister will attend and Mr Sharif is expected to land in Delhi on Monday morning. (
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The Shiv Sena has steadfastly opposed any engagement with Pakistan, unless skirmishes at the border cease. It has even opposed allowing Pakistani cricketers to play in India or artistes from that country to perform in Mumbai. (
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Mr Thackeray said in the Sena statement today, "The cries of our martyrs' families ring in my ears. India has always extended a friendly hand towards Pakistan but it hasn't reciprocated. We (Sena) trust the firm and decisive leadership of Narendra Modi and do not wish to put obstacles in his way at the very start of his term."
He also warned, "If despite this gesture (of Modi's to extend a friendly hand towards Pakistan), Pakistan doesn't change, we expect Modi to take firm steps."
The Sena chief pointed out that Nawaz Sharif was in charge in Pakistan during the Kargil war.
The statement ends on a rather aggressive note saying if Pakistan doesn't amend its way, Mr Modi shouldn't hesitate in hitting the nuke button.
Mr Modi's invitation to the leaders of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nations to his swearing-in ceremony has also caused controversy in Tamil Nadu as Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has accepted.
Sources said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa might skip Mr Modi's swearing-in ceremony. She said in a statement that the invite to the Lankan president has "deeply upset the people of Tamil Nadu and wounded their sentiments."
Most political parties in Tamil Nadu allege that civilian casualties and human rights violations against Tamils peaked during the last leg of the war against the LTTE with Mr Rajapaksa in charge.