Thackeray describes Modi's victory as vital for Hindu unity

Mumbai, Dec 24 (UNI) Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray has termed the spectacular victory of Narendra Modi in the 2007 Gujarat Assembly elections as the 'strengthening of Hindu unity'.

In an editorial in today's edition of his Party mouthpiece ''Saamna'', he expressed confidence that Mr Modi's agenda of development and Hindutva would continue in future.

The Sena Chief observed that UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress tried to harm Mr Modi's chances at the hustings by raising the Sohrabuddin encounter case.

''But, the people of Gujarat have taught the Congress a lesson,'' the Sena Chief said.

He also ridiculed the Left's reaction that Mr Modi should be defeated ideologically, if not politically.

Mr Thackeray noted that Mr Modi's victory in Gujarat was on expected lines and was a slap in the face of political pundits. BJP may have lost eight to nine seats, but it is not a setback, he added.

UNI