Sena magazine Saamna has cautioned the BJP but praised PM Narendra Modi (Associated Press photo)
The BJP's losses in Tuesday's by-elections has further emboldened its partner in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena, to blandly state that it will contest more seats than the BJP in next month's state elections.
Sena MP Sanjay Raut today said his party wants the 25-year alliance to continue, but on its terms. "In Maharashtra, the chief minister will be from the Shiv Sena and we will contest more seats. There will be no change in that," he said.
This morning's issue of the Sena magazine "Saamna" cautioned the BJP against taking "voters for granted."
It praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he should not be blamed for the by-election setback. But it also said, "The by-election results are a lesson for the Maharashtra elections," adding, "Each election comes with its tides and tides change after every election. Vidhan Sabha elections cannot be fought on the basis of the Lok Sabha wave."
The sub-text was that the BJP cannot count on the "Modi wave" to win the Maharashtra elections.
Shiv Sainiks across the state have backed their chief Udhav Thackeray in his tussle with the BJP over seat sharing and say they are gearing up to win 150 of the 288 assembly seats. "There is only one wave in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena wave," said Sanjay Raut.
Mr Thackeray's sarcastic reference to a Modi wave had provoked an incensed state BJP to bring negotiations to a standstill. The BJP argues that its superior performance in the national elections four months ago has earned it the right to an equal number of seats to contest. The Sena insists that it must continue to be the senior partner in the state and contest more seats.
"Our top leadership will take a decision on this issue (seat sharing) and whatever they decide will be based on what's good for the country," said BJP spokerperson Sambit Patra.