Rajnath, Thackrey discuss Vice-Presidential elections

Mumbai, Aug 9 (UNI) Even as the Shiv Sena is yet to make its stand clear on tomorrow's Vice-Presidential election, BJP president Rajnath Singh tonight spoke to Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray on the issue.

Shiv Sena sources said Mr Singh, who telephoned the Sena chief, requested him to support NDA nominee Najma Heptullah in tomorrow's Vice-Presidential election.

Shiv Sena MPs are presently in Delhi and the parliamentary party meeting will take place under the leadership of Anant Gite at 1000 hrs tomorrow.

The party decision will be conveyed to the MPs at the meeting.

According to sources, Shiv Sena may vote for the NDA nominee.

More than 20- year old ties between the BJP and its long standing ally Shiv Sena turned sour when Sena decided to support UPA-Left nominee Pratibha Patil in last month's Presidential elections.

Even though the Shiv Sena made it clear that it had voted for Mrs Patil because she was a Maharashtrian, the state BJP leaders felt the Sena had betrayed them and even talked of snapping the alliance.

UNI