Mumbai, July 10 (Reporter) Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut said today that there is no need for national alliances like the INDIA bloc or the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in upcoming local body elections. Emphasizing that local issues matter more in these elections, he said that decisions should be left to local leadership. Speaking about the much-anticipated Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, Raut claimed that there is growing public demand for Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) contesting jointly. He stressed that this sentiment was clearly visible during the recent Marathi Victory rally. During his speech at the rally, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray hinted at a possible alliance saying, “we have come together to stay together. However, MNS chief Raj Thackeray has adopted a cautious approach. He has instructed party leaders not to comment on the alliance without prior approval”. Responding to the current ambiguity regarding the political alliance Raut said, “If Mumbai is to be saved, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray must fight the municipal elections together. That is the sentiment of the people, and they are voicing that demand strongly”. Regarding Raj Thackeray’s restrictions on speaking about the alliance, Raut said, “everyone has their own working style. These restrictions may be part of his leadership approach. We prefer to speak openly; that may not be their way. But things will become clearer soon.” Commenting on RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent remarks, Raut pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will turn 75 in September. “As per the RSS and Modi’s own rules, he should retire at this age. The RSS is reminding him of this repeatedly”, Raut said, “you have enjoyed the pleasures of power and travelled the world. Now step aside and hand over the country to safe hands”, he added. Raut also accused Modi of having side-lined senior BJP leaders like L.K. Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, and Jaswant Singh in order to clear his own path to power...////...