Aurangabad (Maharashtra): Clearly setting its eyes on the crucial Assembly elections in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena appeared set to adapt an aggressive stance on Hindutva in an attempt to woo 'non-Marathis' into its fold.

The Sena's strategy for the polls, slated to held in September-October, would be fine-tuned at the party's two-day conclave, commencing from tomorrow (Jul 11, 2004), the divisional headquarters of backward Marathwada region.

Though Sena had not completely abandoned its Hindutva ideology, the party leaders have expressed opinion that its "Mumbai for Marathis" campaign cost the organisation dearly in the just-concluded Lok Sabha polls, Sena sources said.

The Sena could secure a solitary seat in Mumbai, its traditional stronghold, as the non-Marathi voters were upset with the party's "Mee Mumbaikar" campaign, they pointed out.

In an attempt to sew a broad poll constituency, mostly comprising North Indians, Gujrathi and other trading communities, Sena would play the Hindutva card in the run up to the Assembly polls, the sources said adding, "We can not antagonize our non-Marathi voters and the Sena can bring all of them together on a Hindutva platform."

Besides formulating the Sena's strategy for the coming Assembly polls, the party leadership would also take up the constituency-wise review and performance of its legislators, the party sources said.