Munde to meet Bal Thackeray over Chimur seat

Mumbai, Oct 6: Senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde will meet Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray this morning against the backdrop of the tension prevailing in the two parties over the claim on Chimur seat.

According to the party sources, Mr Munde will meet the Sena Chief at 1130 hrs at the later's residence Matushri located in Bandra North West Mumbai.

The two alliance partners Sena-BJP were at loggerheads and fissures were evident in 22-year-old Shiv Sena-BJP alliance over the issue of claiming the seat of Chimur in Vidarbha, vacated by resignation of sitting Sena MLA Vijay Vadettiwar, a Narayan Rane supporter, resigned from the House and joined the Congress recently.

The by-elections are scheduled to be held soon. Both the Sena and BJP had staked their claim for the seat in the by-polls.

Chimur seat is claimed by both the allied parties and still no decision has been taken.

Mr Munde meanwhile said that BJP has continued its claim on the Chimur seat and the party is ready to give another seat to Shiv Sena in next assembly elections which are due in 2009.

On the other hand, taking the tough stand, Mr Uddhav Thackeray had said that there was no question of giving up the claim on Chimur. To substantiate his stand, the Sena has organised a public rally on october 12 at Chimur.

However, Mr Munde was optimistic of working out an amicable solution on this issue. He clarified that the tension between the alliance on this issue would not affect local bodies elections and the alliance would continue in most of the places including the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

UNI