India, Oct. 29 -- Amit Shah's recent remark that the BJP won power on its own in 2014 and was not dependent on the "crutches" of any partners has upset the party's allies. Although they did not react to Shah's remarks immediately, Shiv Sena and NCP (SP) leaders said that they had got the signal that the BJP would play hardball in the seat-sharing talks, which could lead to the allies contesting separately in several local bodies elections.

Shah made the remarks at the foundation-stone-laying ceremony of the party's new Mumbai office on Monday. He said that since 2014, the BJP had reached the top position in terms of strength in elective politics from fourth place 10 years ago. Leaders from the two allies were taken by surprise, as Shah's...