No difference between BJP, Congress governments as far as Pak is concerned: Shiv Sena

The BJP government at the Centre has come under heavy criticism from one of its own allies - Shiv Sena - over the way Pathankot terror attack was handled. Government's cautious approach in naming Pakistan for the audacious terror attack on the Indian Air Force (IAF) has particularly irked Shiv Sena

The BJP government at the Centre has come under heavy criticism from one of its own allies - Shiv Sena - over the way Pathankot terror attack was handled. Government's cautious approach in naming Pakistan for the audacious terror attack on the Indian Air Force (IAF) has particularly irked Shiv Sena. Sena, which is a junior ally of the government both in Maharashtra and at the Centre, said as far Pakistan is concerned it sees no difference between BJP and Congress governments.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut also called for scrapping of all cultural ties with Pakistan. Here's a transcript of the interview

Q: Saamana's editorial has heavily criticized the government, why ?

A: Because we expect that the government should deal strictly with situation. You do your chai pe charcha with Sharif but look what they have done. When were in opposition, we used to demand that Pakistan sponsored terrorism should be dealt strongly. What is happening now?
Q You think that this government is not dealing strongly with Pakistan? Do you think the government's policy on Pakistan is not right?
A: We have suffered 26/11, remember what we used to talk about Pakistan? Shiv Sena's policy hasn't changed. There shouldn't be any cricket, cultural ties with Pakistan. Talks with Pakistan should also be scrapped.
Q: So you think what Narendra Modi PM used to say when the NDA was in opposition is different from what he is doing/saying now?
A: Even the BJP has changed its stance. When we were in opposition, we used to say that Pakistan should be dealt with strongly and expected that to happen when we came to power.

Q: So, you mean there is no difference between Congress and BJP governments ?
A: As far as Pakistan is concerned, we don't see any difference. They are the same.
Q: In Saamna editorial, you also criticized the way situation was handled in Pathankot?
A: It is not right to criticize the operation we are with government on national security, but you say that we have such strong Army and we are becoming stronger and then this happens. We can't flush out them out. Our jawans are getting killed on our own soil, this sends a wrong message to the world about our capabilities.
Q: But you are also in the government, why don't you put pressure on the government?
A: Shiv Sena is putting pressure, but the government has full majority. They can do whatever they want, we will keep building up the pressure.