Shiv Sena may join demonetisation protest led by Kadu in Vidarbha

To intensify its opposition to the demonetisation in the Vidarbha region, a BJP stronghold, the Shiv Sena plans to tie-up with Prahar Sanghatana led by Achalpur legislator Bacchu Kadu to protest against the Narendra Modi government’s shock decision.

To intensify its opposition to the demonetisation in the Vidarbha region, a BJP stronghold, the Shiv Sena plans to tie-up with Prahar Sanghatana led by Achalpur legislator Bacchu Kadu to protest against the Narendra Modi government’s shock decision.

Kadu, an Independent Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), met Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence in Matoshree on Saturday to discuss how the demonetisation has caused distress to farmers. (Hindustan Times)

The Sena, which shares power with the BJP governments at the Centre and in the state, may even join hands with Kadu against its senior partner in the upcoming local elections in Vidarbha, a Sena source said.

Kadu, an Independent Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), met Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence in Matoshree on Saturday to discuss how the demonetisation has caused distress to farmers, with the prices of agricultural produce having plunged and the government’s apathy towards the poor. Kadu is known for his aggressive stance to safeguard the interests of farmers, the physically-challenged and the common people.

“Bacchu Kadu’s Prahar Sanghatana is planning to stage an agitation against the government on these issues and he requested the Sena to join the protest,” a Sena leader said, adding the party is likely to join Kadu’s efforts.

Compared to smaller parties such as the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in certain pockets, the Sena’s presence in Nagpur is negligible. The Sena has just six corporators in the 145-member Nagpur Municipal Corporation, with the BJP being the single-largest party holding 62 seats, followed by the Congress with 41 seats.