Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday complimented the BJP for snapping ties with the PDP in Jammu & Kashmir.

However, the Shiv Sena president slammed the Centre for its Ramzan ceasefire move in the troubled state.

Thackeray also asked Shiv Sainiks to be ready for an early Lok Sabha election.

Addressing a Sena conclave in Goregaon to mark the party’s 52nd anniversary, Thackeray said, “It took three years, and loss of 600 precious lives of our brave soldiers, for the BJP to know that it was pointless to share power with the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Pointing out that the Ramzan ceasefire was not the Mehbooba Mufti government’s brainwave, Thackeray squarely blamed the Centre for the controversial decision. “You say that terrorism has no faith. Then there was no plausible reason for you to order a ceasefire during Ramzan. Will Pakistan ask for a ceasefire during Ganeshotsav or Navratri?” Thackeray asked. Paying tributes to Aurangzeb, the Indian army rifleman who was killed by terrorists, Thackeray said bowing before the brave soldier was Sena’s concept of Hindutva. Thackeray accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of offering false assurances to people.

Coming down heavily on defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Thackeray said she was visible only on the social networking sites. “A defence minister belongs to the entire nation, but here we have a defence minister who belongs to her party,” he added. “Yet, the Sena congratulates the Centre for snapping ties with the PDP,” he said.

Stating that the BJP could hold the Lok Sabha election in December this year, Thackeray urged the party rank and file to be prepared for the crucial elections.

Ambarish.Mishra@timesgroup.com