(Representative image)

MUMBAI: The turnout at Raj Thackeray ’s morcha against the railways on Thursday could make BJP smile in view of the party’s worsening ties with Shiv Sena , said observers.

BJP may heave a sigh of relief if the MNS morcha pumps adrenalin in Raj’s party’s rank and file, they added. “Constant bickerings with Sena is the Fadnavis regime’s chief woe. Governance has become difficult as Sena takes exception to all we do. We’d be happy if MNS gears up in two years to cut Sena to size,” said a BJP functionary. BJP is not perturbed by Raj’s tirade against PM Modi “so long as MNS neutralises the Sena,” he said.

With Sena breathing down his neck on issues including farm loan waiver and price rise, CM Devendra Fadnavis could well be looking forward to a rejuvenated MNS playing the Marathi card vis-a-vis Sena, said analysts. BJP knows Narayan Rane ’s induction in the state cabinet could spark concerns in the Sena. Next: an aggressive MNS to eat into Sena’s Marathi votebank in the metropolitan Mumbai region, they added.

MNS workers are glad Raj zeroed in on the railways after the stampede. “He showed swiftness in taking up a Mumbai issue, thus stealing a march over Sena,” said a party worker.

Raj announced his party’s stir last Saturday, hours before Sena president Uddhav Thackeray’s Dussera rally at Shivaji Park. “The Sena missed the bus,” said a Sena MLA.

Many in Sena think MNS’ new-found fervour may confuse Shiv Sainiks over Sena’s role as the advocate of Marathi Mumbaikars. “What is worrying is a section of Sainiks, who have nothing to do with power and who live in chawls and shanties, may soon get restless over Sena’s stint in office. A party such as Sena thrives on the raw energy of grassroots activists who love a fight with those in power over issues such as bullet train,” said the MLA.

Reports had said that after the Dussehra rally, a band of Sainiks halted at Raj’s home opposite Shivaji Park. They forced him to step out of his house, raised slogans in his favour and took selfies with him, it is learnt.

