Sena dashes BJP hopes, rejects NCP

The Shiv Sena tonight closed the door on Sharad Pawar-led NCP, formally rejecting an alliance with the party for the coming Lok Sabha and assembly elections in Maharashtra.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting of the Sena leadership at Bal Thackeray8217;s 8216;Matoshree8217; residence. Later, Sena leader in the Assembly Narayan Rane told reporters: 8216;8216;We have decided not to ally with the NCP.8217;8217;

Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani had recently met Thackeray in an effort to persuade him to let Pawar join the NDA at the Centre.