Hindutva leaders living in fear under BJP rule: Shiv Sena

Slamming the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Shiv Sena on Thursday said pro-Hindutva leaders are now living in fear in the country that is ruled by a pro-Hindutva party.

The BJP's bickering ally, which has been regularly criticising the Modi government on a host of issues, asked the two leaders to clarify Togadia's stunning claim.

"When pro-Hindutva people in India have to fear for their lives, Modi and Amit Shah should come out and clarify. After the new (BJP-led) government came to power, voices of many, including L K Advani, have been stifled," the Sena alleged in an editorial in its mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party said it remained to be seen what "title" is given to the 62-year-old international working president of the VHP after he alleged there was a conspiracy to silence him. "Togadia has levelled a string of allegations against the prime minister. When four senior SC judges came out and revealed the interference (of the Centre) in the judiciary, they were termed anti-nationals and agents of the Congress.

"It remains to be seen what title is given to Pravin Togadia now," the Marathi daily read. The Sena claimed attempts have been made in the past to "stifle" the voice of the party, an old ally of the BJP, using power and threats. The Sena organ said it was surprising that a leader like Togadia, who is known for giving fiery speeches, was in tears and fearing for his life. "Hindutva mascots Veer Savarkar and Balasaheb Thackeray (the Sena founder) never shed tears or exhibited their helplessness. "It is sad that Togadia, seen as a Hindutva mascot, is in a condition where he has to shed tears," the editorial read.

The Sena editorial, which is seen as Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's view, added that the party has never used Hindutva as a tool to win elections.

PTI