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BJP's coalition partner Shiv Sena has strongly defended its decision to abstain from voting in the land acquisition bill, reiterating that the party will never support any anti-farmer legislation. In an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamna, the party took a dig at BJP saying that despite comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha it had to approach lot of parties seeking support for the contentious bill.
"Seek farmers' votes, sell them dreams and take piece of land without their consent. Shiv Sena will never commit this sin. Even though it is Central law, Shiv Sena's commitment is with farmers," the editorial stated. The party claims to feeling 'relaxed' after its decision to abstain from voting.
"That does not mean Shiv Sena is against industry or an enemy of development. Instead, the party strongly supports growth in industry and trade, which will ultimately make the country stronger. There will be job creation due to industrial growth that will bring prosperity. But how can Shiv Sena be party to the prosperity of a handful of industrialists at the cost of farmers' interest?," the party noted.
This apart, Shiv Sena also alleged that a ploy is being hatched to shift Mumbai's key offices, diamond market and other establishments elsewhere.
Referring to the pride and self-respect of Marathi Manoos, the scathing editorial stated he is commiting suicides out of shame as he cannot repay a loan of mere Rs 5,000.
