It is hard to understand why if it is so unhappy in the alliance with the BJP, the Shiv Sena still refuses to implement its threat and quit the ruling alliance in Maharashtra. This daily ‘kitt-kitt’ from the Sena leaders leaves a bad taste in the mouth of Maharashtrians. Besides, it detracts from the business of governance. It is extraordinary that within minutes of the Amit Shah-Uddhav Thackeray meeting at Matoshree on Wednesday, discordant noises were made by the Sainik loudmouths, suggesting that there could be no peace unless the BJP ceded the senior partner status to it.
The Sena knows too well the BJP is not likely to give in to this unreasonable demand. After all, the BJP has duly earned its senior partner status, it is not a gift from Matoshree. Next time around, should the voters send more Sena MLAs than those of the BJP, the former could rightfully reclaim its old position. Until then, it should show grace and stop making a fool of itself, throwing a tantrum daily and generally behaving as a recalcitrant ally. If this continues, the voters might punish the Sena for its childish behaviour, killing whatever little chance it might have of winning more seats than the BJP. So, either shut up, or quit the BJP-led Ministry.
