Mumbai: A united face to the launch of the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in Maharashtra washed of the conflicts and tensions in recent weeks between the two parties. The Shiv Sena chief also made an appearance for the first time since he was hospitalised through videoconference.
At the launch of the saffron campaign in the Shiv Sena's traditional turf, Shivaji Park, a high-tech tool bringing Bal Thackeray came face to face with his audience. He used the occasion to back the BJP on Varun Gandhi.
"Varun Gandhi has been thrown into jail, the injustice is unbearable," said Bal Thackeray, Chief, Shiv Sena.
His words sealed the deal on an alliance ridden with mistrust after the Sena's overtures towards Sharad Pawar.
"There are reports that he is with Shiv Sena, the Congress and Third Front. He is neither here nor there," said Uddhav Thackeray, Executive President, Shiv Sena.
L K Advani's visit to Bal Thackeray's home was also symbolic of the alliance between the two parties. A visit that fell through the last time he was in the city when the tension between the parties was at its peak.
After all the wrangling between the Shiv Sena and BJP in the run up to the alliance many wonder how well it will work on the ground.