Shiv Sena applauds PM Narendra Modi's statement despite rift with BJP

Mumbai, Sep 22: It is undeniable that there is a huge rift between Maharashtra's two national parties -

and

. But after the recent interview of Prime Minister

, the focus has been on Modi's statement about Indian

that was applauded by many.

Despite the tussle about seat-sharing between these parties, Shiv Sena on Monday focused on PM's statement and urged Indian Muslims "not to let down" Modi after he praised the community for its patriotism and love for the country in an interview.

Once the politics of religion ends, India has the potential to progress: Sena

"Modi has lauded Indian Muslims for their patriotism...He has initiated a new chapter by giving a guarantee of the community's love for its motherland. Now, Muslims must not let him down," Shiv Sena said in an editorial in the party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

Sena also cleared that they did not feel that by making this statement, Modi has not diluted his staunch Hindutva ideology.

"Modi is the Prime Minister of the country and of all communities and people...But, he has been always painted as 'anti-Muslim' by pseudo-secularists of the country," it pointed out.

It recalled "the tough but fair Hindutva" propounded by the Shiv Sena patriarch and founder late Bal Thackeray.

"(Late) Bal Thackeray always said he was not against Muslims. But, always opposed those who celebrated Pakistani cricket team's win against India...He considered such Muslims as traitors...Otherwise, he had the highest respect for nationalist Muslims," it said.

Now, Modi has spoken on similar lines, saying Indian Muslims will live and 'die' for their country and will not be swayed by terror groups like al Qaeda - "so, their nationalist credentials cannot be doubted", the editorial said.

Unfortunately, the Shiv Sena lamented that certain communal elements attempted to create a schism between the 20-crore Muslims and other communities for their vested political interests.

They were pampered by Congress and made to feel like "princes" while certain Muslim leaders relying on numbers, resorted to political bargaining - which is nothing short of terror, it said.

It called upon Muslims to sing 'Vande Mataram' in tandem with the rest of the country, put a halt to the alleged anti-national teachings imparted in 'madrassas' as claimed recently by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, and discard the "minority community veil" (burqa) which would result in many political shops downing shutters permanently.

Once the politics of religion ends, India has the potential to progress and become an influential, global superpower, the Shiv Sena said.

However, this is hampered by the ignorance and non-cooperation of the community, who are influenced by certain leaders bent on keeping the community "in the ditch of backwardness".

'Saamana' appealed to the Muslims to get on to the national mainstream and not let down Modi for his appreciation of the community.

With IANS inputs

OneIndia News