Shiv Sena tears into PM for power like oxygen remarks

Mumbai, Dec 26 The Shiv Sena Wednesday hammered Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his power like oxygen remarks, saying those who neglected to get "achhe din" are now feeling disgusted at the thought of sitting in the opposition and thieves were being "purified" to guarantee the supply of oxygen.

It also said that the government's move to snoop on PCs and cell phones was not a sign of a real democracy but rather its "eagerness" to remain in power.

In an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamna, the Sena said today Lord Rama in Ayodhya and BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani in politics are in exile while others are reaping fruits of the "oxygen of power".

"Sending someone in exile forcefully is the (current) legislative issues for power," said the party, which is a partner of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra.

Taking an agree at the opposition, Modi had said on Monday that power is like oxygen for "a few people" with restlessness setting in if they are out of it for even "two or five years".

Further slamming the BJP, the Marathi every day said those who couldn't bring 'achhe din' (great days) regardless of being in power currently fear the Opposition. They get a sentiment of nauseate on the off chance that they need to sit in the Opposition.

"Modiji said (former prime minister) Vajpayee went through a large portion of his time on earth in the Opposition, yet remained battled. In any case, a few people are actually the inverse, as per Modiji. The inquiry that presently emerges is who are these people?" it asked.

"So as to guarantee the oxygen supply of intensity, hoodlums and cheats are cleansed. To win polls, criminals are made 'valmiki' (referring to the sage who composed the epic Ramayan). At last, control is overwhelming," the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said.

In a scathing attack on the BJP, it said that for power, the alliance with Sena, in view of the rule of Hindutva, was also broken in 2014 and the "cylinder of the oxygen of Hindutva" was stolen.

"Presently when it is time for people to plug out the supply to this oxygen cylinder of Hindutva, statements are made (by BJP) that a collusion with Sena will occur, it said.

The Sena also hammered the government's turn to snoop on PCs.

"The government's turn to snoop on PCs and cell phones is certainly not an indication of a real democracy and freedom, however its anxiety to remain in power," the Sena said.

The government had a week authorised 10 central agencies to intercept, screen and decrypt all information contained in any PC system and asserted this was being done to keep "any unauthorised use of these powers".

The move had set off a political tempest with the opposition accusing the government of trying to create a "surveillance state".