MNS to contest municipal corporation elections on own: Raj

Thane, Dec 22 (UNI) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray today declared that his party will contest all the seats in the ensuing municipal corporation elections in the State on its own.

In an informal chat with reporters here today, Mr Thackeray brushed aside queries about post-poll alliances saying it was premature to comment on that subject at this stage. He, however, made it clear that his party will not seek support from any other party during the polls.

Expressing confidence that his party will fare well in the elections, he said the citizens are fed up with the existing rule in the civic corporations and wanted change.

In reply to a question on the selection of candidates, Mr Thackeray said the elective merit and loyalty of the party workers will be the primary considerations.

Asked if candidates with criminal background would be given tickets, he said candidates capable of meeting the aspirations of the people will be selected. ''Walyacha Valmiki hou shakto,'' Mr Thackeray remarked implying that criminals can be reformed.

To another query, Mr Thackeray said he was opposed to the tender system for awarding contracts for completing civic projects. The system breeds corruption and no civic work worth its mention had been done by the elected bodies, he remarked.

Mr Thackeray said the MNS will publish an independent manifesto for Thane which would spell out the party's plans for the city.

He said efforts would be made to have a common symbol for the MNS candidates.

Asked about the adverse remarks made against him by Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, as also in the editorials of the Shiv Sena mouthpiece ''Saamna'', Raj Thackeray chose not to comment but remarked that ''Saamna'' had to fill up its pages and that he had not read the newspaper. He chose to ignore all questions pertaining to the Shiv Sena, Uddhav Thackeray or Bal Thackeray.

On Congress president Sonia Gandhi's visit to Mumbai tomorrow, Mr Thackeray remarked, ''She will come and leave. But, it is we who have to work here.'' Mr Thackeray opined that there was a need to check the influx of outsiders into Mumbai.

Mr Thackeray said his party will also contest the Zilla Parishad elections in the State.

UNI XR MAZ SHB RS1736