Thackeray question Shivraj's Maharashtra contribution

Mumbai, June 14 (UNI) Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray has admitted that his party is in a dilemma on whether to support Shivraj Patil who is emerging as the proposed UPA nominee for the office of President of India or Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat who is contesting as an independent candidate.

In a statement published in today's issue of his party mouthpiece ''Saamna'', Mr Thackeray said he would have been extremely happy that a Maharashtrian was getting the top post. ''But, Mr Patil should explain his contribution for the state as elected representative in the Legislature and Parliament for several years. Despite losing the recent Lok Sabha polls, he got the all-important Home Ministry. Mr Patil should explain whether he used this opportunity for the welfare of the state and protect its interests,'' the Sena supremo questioned.

Mr Thackeray said when Mr Patil was the union Home minister, Karnataka government's atrocities against the Marathi speaking people in villages situated on the Maharashtra-Karnataka border continued unabated. ''Marathi people were looking towards him with hope of getting justice. Apart from this, he never utilised his services of getting important issues of the state resolved at the Centre,'' he said.

The Sena supremo also said the union Home minister should clarify his stand on the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute as well the hanging of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal. ''Shiv Sena will not be able to embrace him just because he is a Maharashtrian,'' Mr Thackeray said and added sarcastically, ''Mr Patil can respond to my questions after consulting Sonia Gandhi.'' UNI MR PD SZ VV1508