Sena could be behind Mumbai blasts: CPM

The CPI-M said Shiv Sena could have used the incident to iron out "factionalism" within its ranks.

The CPI-M on Thursday said the Shiv Sena could not be dissociated from Mumbai blasts as it could have used the incident to iron out "factionalism" within its ranks, inviting a sharp reaction from the BJP.

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"May be the Shiv Sena is divided. Who can say that it is not using the blasts to wriggle out of trouble?" West Bengal CPM Secretary Biman Bose told a convention against terrorism, organised by the All-India Milli Council, in Kolkata.

To reinforce his arguments that the Shiv Sena was facing internal problem, he said he saw cutouts in support of Raj and Uddhav Thackeray while travelling in Maharashtra.

"I am not in favour of dissociating the Shiv Sena from Mumbai blasts," Bose said.

Reacting to his remarks, West Bengal BJP General Secretary Rahul Sinha said, "We are not only surprised at the manner in which Bose has identified the culprits, we also call upon the Centre to make him the chief of intelligence."

He accused Bose of trying to outdo Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav in "appeasing Muslims".

"At a time when investigating agencies have gathered proof that Islamist organisations are trying to destabilise the country, whose support is Biman Bose looking for by accusing the BJP-Shiv Sena in connection with the Mumbai blasts," asked Sinha.