Shiv Sena ready to support Najma Heptulla for Vice Presidentship

Mumbai, July 23 (UNI) After jeopardising their alliance with BJP on the issue of supporting Pratibha Patil, the Shiv Sena today said it was ready to support NDA nominee Najma Heptulla for the Vice Presidentship.

''Shiv Sena is a part of the BJP-led NDA,'' senior Sena leader Manohar Joshi said, adding the party was of the view that the Sena should support NDA nominee in the Vice Presidential elections.

''The issue of supporting Pratibha Patil over which both the parties were at loggerheads is now over and so both parties can move ahead,'' said Mr Joshi.

Mr Joshi told UNI that he was invited for the NDA's meeting in New Delhi in which Najma Heptulla's name was finalised but he could not attend as he was preoccupied.

''I had held talks with Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray on this issue but the final decision will be taken by Shiv Sena chief,'' added Mr Joshi.

UNI