Rane’s face-off with Shiv Sena: A few questions
Is BJP solidly behind Rane?
The state has witnessed one of the most turbulent phases in recent time, soon after the Maha Vikas Aghadi government decided to initiate legal action against Union Minister Narayan Rane over his controversial remarks against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. The action did not remain confined to Rane or the violent agitation by Yuva Sena- the youth wing of ruling Shiv Sena, but BJP offices too bore the brunt with incidents of stone pelting by the agitator, at many places.
The volatile atmosphere and political mud-slinging still rampant with Rane’s renewed attack with vigour. In all, Konkan and Mumbai are going to witness intense political battle during the upcoming elections to local and civic bodies including the most prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Even as the BJP took a calculated decision to induct Rane sr. and his two sons into the party, the Sena had refrained from making any direct comment until Rane made his entry into the union cabinet. The Sena rank and file could not hold back its strong displeasure over BJP bestowing honour on Rane. Otherwise, Rane’s political career would have remained confined to Rajya Sabha.
The reason behind the Sena’s hitherto silent posture was said to be its attempts to keep a line of communication open with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It’s because no state government cannot afford to spoil its relations with the centre given the fact that the central government provides financial assistance to a number of development schemes undertaken by the state. The state can face problems if the centre decides to pull its strings by delaying or halting financial assistance. The alleged use of the central agencies such as- the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Income Tax Department and others against prominent leaders from Sena and NCP is altogether a different issue.
Probably because of this, the Sena leadership remained silent even after Rane got the ministerial post. But when Rane sharpened his attack the Sena could not control its unease. The protests and agitation on Tuesday were part of a well-devised plan.
Now, a few questions cropped up after the incidents-
· Apart from Ashish Shelar, Sunil Karjatkar, Prasad Lad and Pramod Jathar, no prominent faces from BJP were seen with Rane during the tense moments. Except Shelar or Karjatkar, no senior leader even attended the press conference Rane addressed at Mumbai residence on the following day.
· Except Ramdas Athavale, no union minister has met Rane to ask for his well-being after the episode.
· There are no reports of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah or BJP chief J. P. Nadda calling up Rane to ask about the treatment meted out to him at Chiplun and Mahad.
· There are no reports about Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis or BJP State President Chandrakant Patil paying a visit to his residence.
· Even though the hectic developments began early morning on Tuesday, Fadnavis faced the media only at noon. He announced that the Jan Ashirwad Yatra would continue in the presence of Leader of Opposition Praveen Darekar. Even the news of Darekar’s departure from Mumbai to Ratnagiri appeared in electronic and social media. Suddenly nothing of that sort happened.
· So, what is going on with Rane?
• Fadnavis stated that BJP does not stand by Rane’s statement but stand by him. It is still unclear whether BJP supports the explanation given by Rane over his controversial statement. Besides, his old colleagues from Congress Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, Harshvardhan Patil who are now with BJP have not offered him moral support or met him to show solidarity.
• Now phase-II of Rane’s Jan Aashirwad yatra has begun and it seems, he may not stay away from throwing barbs. The BJP may not back him for his controversial statements. Lastly, is the BJP’s state leadership pursuing the issue of attacks on its offices and action against those involved in the stone-pelting.