Sena's decision ''a bow to popular Marathi sentiments'': BJP

New Delhi, June 25 (UNI) The BJP reacted rather cautiously to the news of its ally Shiv Sena deciding to support UP Presidential nominee Pratibha Patil and said the decision would not affect the chances of victory of NDA-backed Independent candidate Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

Reacting to Shiv Sena's announcement to support Ms Patil, Bjp Vice-President Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said its action should be seen as one where it being a regional party had to ''bow to the popular Marathi sentiments.'' Earlier, in a statement issued in Mumbai tonight, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray said the party has decided to support Ms Patil as she will be the first Maharashtrian to reach the coveted post and also the first woman to become the President.

''In 2010, the state will complete 50 years of its formation and at that time there will be a Maharashtrian woman to salute the 105 martyrs, who laid down their lives to carve a separate state of Maharashtra, along with Mumbai,'' he said, and criticised Mr Shekhawat for contesting as an independent to get the votes from other parties.

The Sena, which has 56 MLAs and 15 MPs in Lok Sabha and three MPs in Rajya sabha, all adding upto 22,000 votes, will be supporting a 'Marathi Manoos' Ms Patil.

UNI