Withdrawal of support by DF allies fails to bring a smile in Sena-BJP camp

Withdrawal of support by DF allies fails to bring a smile in Sena-BJP camp
PRAFULLA MARPAKWAR

MUMBAI, DEC 16: Although the Shiv Sena-BJP combine displayed a rare show of unity during the winter session of the State Legislature, there is a vertical split in the alliance on the issue of toppling the Congress-led Democratic Front (DF) Government.

``Soon after the Government was installed, we were keen to dislodge it. However, in view of the fiasco during the Budget session, we have dropped the proposal. Now, on our own, we will not take any step to topple the Vilasrao Deshmukh Government,'' a senior BJP leader said.

The BJP leader observed that despite the fact that a section of DF legislators have formed a separate group to pressurise Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on issues, there was absolutely no threat to him.

``The combined strength of the Sena-BJP is 126. Besides, we have the support of three MLAs, while the combined strength of the Congress and NCP is 131, while they have clear support of 14 legislators. Under such circumstances, we don't think that we will be able to reach the magic figure of 145 required for the formation of a government,'' the BJP leader added.

Moreover, he added, ``No doubt that the Congress-NCP alliance don't have a clear majority. But the other constituents of the DF will not support either us. Hence, although the State Government has failed on all fronts, we have to tolerate it till it collapses on its own.''

The formation of the DF Government has always been a thorn in the flesh of the saffron alliance, especially the Shiv Sena. In the past, the alliance had made several unsuccessful attempts at the toppling game.

Former chief minister Narayan Rane was instrumental in drafting strategies to topple the government. Apparently, his major plans failed to take off as they were leaked to the rivals. ``Rane's plan was to ensure a split in the NCP. In fact, on occasions, it appeared that Rane was very near his target, but his plan was punctured either by his own colleagues or from the BJP,'' a senior Shiv Sena leader added.

The Shiv Sena leader said the current political situation in the state was fluid, particularly in view of the support withdrawn by the Prakash Ambedkar-led Bharatiya Republican Party of India and the PWP's threat on withdrawal of support on Enron.

However, the Sena leader added, ``We don't think that they will ever support the Sena-BJP alliance. Despite differences, they will continue in the Government,'' the Sena leader added.