I gave list of needy but Naik refused: Thackeray

Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray today said Union Petroleum Minister Ram Naik had failed to honour his recommendations regarding allotments of petrol pumps to the needy, including the widow of a Kargil martyr.

‘‘I had personally submitted five applications for allotments to Naik but nothing happened,’’ Thackeray said in an interview to party mouthpiece Saamna. He said the applicants were not related to him.

Asked if he would keep quiet on the controversy, Thackeray said he was not afraid of speaking the truth. ‘‘I have already made my point clear during a meeting with BJP president Venkaiah Naidu.’’ Thackeray said he ‘‘knew everything’’ but could not comment since his party was a part of NDA.

The Sena chief said he did not approve of Vaiko’s arrest under POTA.