'End of internal democracy in Shiv Sena': Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam on party's support to Droupadi Murmu for prez polls

As the countdown for the upcoming Presidential elections starts, the Shiv Sena on Tuesday dropped broad hints that it may support NDA's candidate Droupadi Murmu and not the non-BJP Opposition's nominee, Yashwant Sinha.

Commenting on Shiv Sena's move, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam today questioned Uddhav Thackeray's hold over the party as compared to his father Balasaheb.

In a tweet in Hindi he wrote, "If Shiv Sena supports Mrs. Droupadi Murmu, will it be a historic decision of the party? Know why? Because earlier Balasaheb used to give orders, MPs used to follow them. This time it will happen that the MPs ordered, the party obeyed. This will be the end of the internal democracy of Shiv Sena."

His comment comes hours after Shiv Sena MP and chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut said that party president Uddhav Thackeray will announce his decision in a day or so in the matter.

"Backing Murmu does not mean supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party. The decision will be taken keeping in view the public sentiments," Raut made it clear, amid a clamour from its former saffron ally to toe its (BJP) line.

"In the past even Balasaheb Thackeray used to hold such consultations with party leaders on major issues and the decisions were made on the basis of the view of the colleagues. At yesterday's meeting, the candidature of Murmu was also discussed," said Raut.

The Sena said Monday (July 11), Thackeray had discussed the Presidential polls issue and other matters in detail at a meeting of most Sena MPs from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha besides some other top leaders.

He also rubbished speculation in a section of the media that the Sena is on the verge of a split with even MPs preparing to revolt and join the group led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Nationalist Congress Party, the other Maha Vikas Aghadi ally -- of which the Sena is a part -- have not yet reacted to the developments. Meanwhile, both Murmu and Sinha are expected to be in Mumbai this week to campaign for the President elections and are likely to meet the top leaders of all political parties.