File photo of Shiv Sena Spokesperson Sanjay Raut. Shiv Sena has attacked BJP for not consulting NDA earlier.
The ruling BJP has been reminded by its allies that it is part of a coalition and needs them as it prepares to parry Opposition blows in Parliament. After searing criticism from its oldest ally the Shiv Sena, comes a nudge from a newer one, Upendra Kushwaha from Bihar.
"If the NDA is weakened then even the BJP suffers," warned Mr Kushwaha who heads the Rashtriya Lok Samata Party, a regional party that joined the National Democratic Alliance or NDA last year before the national elections. "There should have been regular meetings of the NDA... It would have meant that allies would not have spoken outside against government policies sending a poor message," Mr Kushwaha, who is a Union Minister, said.
One of those is the Shiv Sena, BJP's partner in Maharashtra, which has pulled no punches. Today, Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said, "The positive mood that was there for this government 14 months ago exists no more."
Mr Raut also remarked caustically, "We are happy that 14 months after government formation, the Prime Minister has called an NDA meet." He sought to remind the BJP that when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was prime minister, there were "regular discussions" in the NDA.
The Sena indicated that it is upset at not being consulted on strategy to tackle opposition protests against BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Vasundhara Raje. Mr Raut said while his party backed the BJP leaders, "It would be better if allies were consulted."
"The NDA needs to work on a plan to counter opposition charges," Mr Kushwaha said.
The Prime Minister had called an NDA meeting today evening - the first since he took office in May last year - but it is the last in a series of consultations ahead of the monsoon session.
The BJP has already made its stand clear. "There is no question of accepting ultimatum by anybody. Nobody can dictate terms to the government," said senior minister Venkaiah Naidu.
Soon after the meeting concluded, Sanjay Raut said that there was no reason for the NDA government "to be on back foot".