The BJP received a jolt on Friday when its political partner and strong ally Shiv Senaannounced its intention to contest 32 Lok Sabha seats from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi.
Sanjay Raut, spokesperson of Shiv Sena, said the party in an attempt to expand its reach, has decided to fight elections beyond Maharashtra. The party has an alliance with BJP in the home State, but not in Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, the party will field 20 candidates from that State. Another seven seats would be fought in Delhi and five from Bihar.
The sudden decision by Sena is triggered by the perceived growing relationship between BJP and Raj Thackeray of the MNS. In early March former BJP President Nitin Gadkari had asked Raj Thackeray not to field candidates in the Lok Sabha elections as it would split the BJP votes.
President of Sena, Uddhav Thackeray, is a cousin of Raj Thackeray, and also his principal political rival in Maharashtra.