Shiv Sena raps BJP, asks what changed after getting big mandate

Stepping up its attack on the BJP in the backdrop of Pathankot terror attack, ally Shiv Sena on Wednesday asked the party what changes it has made on issues, including Pakistan policy and Ram Temple after assuming power with a massive mandate and said the mistakes made by the previous Congress regime are being repeated by it.

"From the Ram temple issue to the Uniform Civil Code, from inflation to corruption and from Hindutva to the policy against Pakistan, what has changed since the BJP came to power (at the Centre). People are seeking an explanation. People's audit of government policy is of supreme importance," an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana' said.

"The mistakes that Congress made are being repeated and we are inviting the wrath of people...The questions that were being asked after Mumbai terror attacks, the Kargil war, are being asked after the Pathankot incident as well," the party said.

The Sena also reminded the BJP that it had won handsomely after the Emergency but infighting within the party (Janata Party in which the Jan Sangh then merged) led to the Congress's revival in less than two years.

"After the Emergency, the Congress was routed. Indira Gandhi and (her son) Sanjay Gandhi too had lost. It seemed as if the Congress was out forever. But the party in whose hands people gave the reins of power invited political instability," the ruling alliance partner said.

"Infighting in the party and pulling each other's legs led to the Congress' revival (then) in a mere 22 months time," it said. The people were cheated then, the Sena said, adding that some of the conspirators are still in Delhi.

The flowers of promises that were showered on people are being crushed and that is hurting people, the editorial said.