The Shiv Sena has been vocal in its criticism of the BJP's alleged style of not consulting allies on common interests of governance, except in moments of crisis. Though some of the earlier criticisms by the Shiv Sena may have been unjustified, this one is certainly a warning the BJP cannot ignore. It is a fact not realised that the party's popularity stands dented by the actions of leaders like Ms Sushma Swaraj and Ms Vasundhara Raje.
I happened to read AK Gopalan's criticism of the Emergency, where he had observed that “it is unfortunate that the communist party of the Soviet Union and some other communist parties have allowed themselves to be misled by the façade of attack against right reaction and do not see that the real thrust of the Emergency measures is against the people fighting for a better existence”. His party affiliation did not prevent him from speaking out.