Shiv Sena keen on alliance with BJP in states: Uddhav

Raipur, June 3: Shiv Sena working president Uddhav Thackeray today said his party was keen to extend its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party even outside Maharashtra.

''Such a step would help checking division of Hindutva votes,'' he told newspersons here.

Claiming the Shiv Sena had extended its base to 18 states, he said it was a misconception the party did not make earnest efforts to spread itself outside Maharashtra. ''Now Shiv Sena is very active in many states, including Kerala,'' he added.

Mr Thackeray, who was here to address a 'maha rally' organised by the party's Chhattisgarh unit, said he felt Shiv Sena could emerge as a force in the state.

Replying to a question, he said his ambition was not to become the chief minister of Maharashtra but to work to strengthen the party.

He did not agree with the perception that the party was now facing a crisis after the exit of Mr Raj Thackeray from the party.

''There is no major split. The party workers have full faith and confidence in the leadership of Shiv Sena supremo,'' he said, adding such small problems do happen in all mass-based parties.

The Shiv Sena leader opposed reservation for Muslims but evaded direct reply on the issue of reservation to other backward classes (OBCs) in educational institutions.

''It is not necessary that we should say something on OBC reservation now,'' he said, adding ''it is the Congress which started it. Let them decide first. Then we will make our stand clear''.

Mr Thackeray said his party was of the view that 'sons of soil' of respective states must get priority in employment. It is the responsibility of the state governments to ensure it, he added.

UNI