Thackeray prefers naxalites to tackle terrorism

Mumbai, June 20: Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray today said he was willing to ''take the help of naxalites'' to tackle the growing menace of terrorism in the country.

''I will rather prefer naxalites to tackle terrorism. At least they are Hindus,'' said Mr Thackeray while addressing a public meeting on the ocassion of the 40th foundation day of Shiv Sena.

''Call them (naxalites) and hold a dialogue with them. And hear their grievances,'' said the Sena chief.

Referring to the developments in Asom, where the minority community has come together to increase their strength in the Lok Sabha, Mr Thackeray championing the Hindu card said, ''Hindus should also come together to counter their strategy.'' He also touched upon the controversial issue of reservation where he said, ''Reservations should be given on economic basis.'' Otherwise, the country will be divided on caste lines and questioned why this reservation was needed at all.

The caste-conflict will weaken the country, he observed.

With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) elections round the corner, Mr Thackeray said, the citadel of Shiv Sena should remain intact at the time of elections.

Several party workers, who had joined the Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) and Rane-group were today re-admitted into Shiv Sena.

The annoucement of the Bharatiya Vidyarthi Sena (BVS) president was made at the function. Now the post, which was earlier held by Balasaheb's nephew Raj Thackeray, has been handed over to Abhijeet Panase who was one of the main accused in the alleged attack at Zee TV office against the backdrop of a political satire 'Kaka Mala Vachava' aired by the channel several months back.

Senior Sena leader Manohar Joshi, Mayor Datta Dalvi, Leader of Opposition Ramdas Kadam also spoke on the occasion.

UNI