Raj should maintain relations; Bal Thackeray

Mumbai, Feb 21 (UNI) Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray today said even though his doors are open for Raj Thackeray, his nephew will not be specifically invited and the decision in this regard will be left to him.

Talking to reporters at his residence, Mr Thackeray said he was a person who maintains relations but added that it was also the responsibility of his estranged nephew Raj to maintain the same.

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and PWP leader N D Patil are also relatives but they are in two different parties.

''Relations and politics could be balanced and maintained properly,'' he added.

It was not proper the way Raj went on 'taunting' Uddhav who, he said, is doing well in managing the party with his own style and the party is growing under his guidance.

Referring to the allegations Surfacing in the Pakistani media that 'Hindu organisations' have masterminded the blast in Samjhauta express, Mr Thackeray said Hindu sanghtana had no hand in the blasts. ''We have got men but not arms,'' the Sena Chief said. He criticised India's foreign policy calling it as 'unsuccessful' and added that Samjhauta express was started during the NDA regime which was a mistake and now UPA is continuing with the same.

Mr Thackeray also criticised UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi saying that she cannot understand India.

He said there should not be any friendship with Pakistan as long as Pervez Musharraf is the president, who is supported by the US.

When his attention was drawn to Subodh Mohite who recently joined the Congress, Mr Thackeray said the former wanted the authority of the party unit of Vidarbha region.

Sena Executive president Uddhav Thackeray, Rajya sabha MP Sanjay Raut and spokesperson Dr Neelam Gorhe were present at the press conference.

UNI