An Editorial in the Shiv Sena mouthpice has suggested a dialogue to resolve the reservation issue in Gujarat.
Linking the call for review of the reservation policy by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat after the agitation by Patel community, the Shiv Sena today said the issue needs to be relooked for a solution otherwise both Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the BJP government in Gujarat, would have to face "consequences".
"RSS chief has asked the BJP to revisit the reservation policy. A review will pacify the agitation in the state. Hardik Patel (who spearheads the stir) needs to take care of his life and the government should also take care. Otherwise, if something untoward happens, Modi will have to bear the consequences," the Sena said in its mouthpiece 'Saamana.'
The RSS is the ideologcal mentor of the BJP.
The Sena, a long-time ally of the BJP has been taking digs at its bigger partner for over a year now, suggested a dialogue with the Patel leaders to restore peace in the state.
"If talks are held with Hardik Patel in a congenial environment, a solution can be sought (over the reservation issue). If what Hardik claimed about his abduction and the subsequent threats to his life are true, it will make matters only worse," the editorial said.
The editorial also claimed that Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel's claim that her state is peaceful and is an attractive destination for investments has fallen flat on its face.
"The most important fact is that Gujarat is a political laboratory for the BJP where it cannot afford a chemical problem... Such turmoil has happened in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. But now Gujarat has been battered by a bomb called Hardik. Maharashtra has an emotional bonding with Gujarat, we are thus concerned," the editorial added.