As it became clear that Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has eaten into its votes, the Shiv Sena [Images] has blamed the Raj Thackeray-led party for 'handing over the keys of the state to outsiders.' "We have not suffered a setback. We are in second place. We took a hit in urban areas," Shiv Sena leader Diwakar Raote said. "The MNS tried to divide people on regional lines," Raote said, blaming that party for the division of Marathi votes.
Responding to the Sena's criticism, MNS general secretary Nitin Sardesai said, "The Sena should do introspection. The Marathi manoos plank, initiated by the Sena, was later abandoned by it but the MNS was firm on the issue."
"This is a victory of the MNS's ideology and the people have voted for us in large numbers, with youth and women being our major supporters," he said.
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