MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday reiterated that it was the Congress’s responsibility to save the Indian alliance, which was formed by opposition parties earlier. Lok Sabha polls to take on the BJP. He said no meeting had been held since the LS elections and the alliance did not have a convener.
Raut’s comments on alliance with India, along with the party’s decision to contest the BMC polls alone, raised doubts about the bloc’s survival. “It is the Congress’s responsibility to save the India Block. It is the largest party in the alliance. Indian block was formed to challenge the LS polls. But after the polls there has not been a single meeting. The responsibility of calling a meeting fell on Congress,” Raut said.
“So far we have not been able to announce a convener. This is not what it should be if one wants to face a large force,” he said. Raut’s statement came in the backdrop of comments by J&K CM Omar Abdullah expressing dismay over the lack of clarity over the bloc’s leadership.
Meanwhile, Congress representative Vijay Wadettiwar said, “India Aghadi remains strong. There is no weakening of India’s alliance in Delhi.” On Saturday, Raut also referred to Wadettiwar’s recent statement that delays in MVA seat-sharing talks may have been part of a conspiracy to harm the Congress. “Then why did the Congress lose in Haryana, J&K and WB? There was no Shiv Sena there. In an alliance, there has to be understanding and compromise. Those who do not accept this should leave,” Raut said.