PM mollifies Shiv Sena

MUMBAI, NOV 24: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee who castigated the Shiv Sena yesterday for opposing the Ramzan ceasefire, today mollif...

MUMBAI, NOV 24: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee who castigated the Shiv Sena yesterday for opposing the Ramzan ceasefire, today mollified his alliance partner by maintaining that his statement in Parliament was misconstrued and that he did not mean to hurt the Sena.

A highlevel delegation comprising Heavy Industries Minister Manohar Joshi and MPs Sanjay Nirupam, Mohan Rawale, Satish Pradhan, Adhik Shirodkar and Subodh Mohite which met the Prime Minister in Delhi conveyed the strong displeasure of Thackeray on the ceasefire and Vajpayee’s statement that — according to the Sena — equated their party with terrorists.

According to Nirupam, Vajpayee told the delegation that his statement was misconstrued and that he would not hesitate to consult Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray. “The PM told us under no circumstances he would make such comments against the Sena. From our meeting, it appeared that he will certainly consult Thackeray on major policy decisions,” Nirupam said.

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According to Nirupam, Vajpayee made it clear that there might be differences between BJP and Sena on issues, but it does not mean that BJP would end ties. “Vajpayee was very clear. He said that despite differences, there was absolutely no threat to the alliance. On our part, we told the Prime Minister that there was no question of withdrawing support but it was our duty to present our views in Parliament,” Nirupam added.

Earlier in the day, activists of the Sena, led by its Delhi unit chief Jai Bhagwan Goyal, took to the streets in protest against the Prime Minister’s observations. They also burnt his effigy.