BJP, Sena bury their differences

BJP’s Pramod Mahajan, Union Minister for Information Technology, Gopinath Munde, former Deputy CM of Maharashtra and Kirit Somaiya, MP and BJP (Mumbai) president were present. Besides Thackeray, the Shiv Sena was represented by former CM Narayan Rane, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, and Union Minister Suresh Prabhu.

Advani told reporters that the meeting was held to discuss various issues and added that since the alliance could not obtain clear majority in the Assembly elections held in September, there were some differences between theSena and the BJP. He said the differences occurred with regard to the formation of Government.

According to Advani, keeping in mind the trust, and confidence between both parties, differences if any should be buried and the alliance should strive hard to regain its position in Maharashtra. Advani said that Thackeray agreed to his request. He further stated that in January 2000 there will be two major events organised by the alliance. The first will be a convention of workers of both parties which will be followed by a public rally. He said that he was meeting Thackeray not as Union Home Minister but in his capacity as a BJP leader to sort out the differences.

Thackeray on the other hand said there were minor differences between the parties but there were no reasons behind them. “The differences have been sorted out” he said and also complimented both Rane and Munde for doing a splendid job in the ongoing Assembly session. Thackeray said the alliance has decided to withdraw the no-confidence motionagainst Speaker Arun Gujarathi but will not withdraw the no-confidence motion against the Democratic Front Government.

About his earlier claim that the Democratic Front Government will collapse during the winter session, Thackeray without commenting on it said that the `miracle’ will have to wait for some time.

WHAT THEY SAID :

WHAT THEY SAY :