Animosity between BJP and Shiv Sena continues : Munde

New Delhi, Aug 11 (UNI) Animosity developed between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, age-old political allies, at the time of Presidential election when the latter refused to vote for NDA-backed independent candidate Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, was continuing, senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister of Maharashtra Gopinath Munde admitted today.

''Differences are there and the decision on the relationship with Shiv Sena would be taken at a meeting of the party's Maharashtra unit to be held this month,'' Mr Munde said.

Asked whether the party would decide to sever its 30-40 years ties in Maharashtra, he said, ''why not you wait and see.'' He, however, hinted that the BJP may make some important announcements regarding the relationship with the Shiv Sena at the farmers rally to be organised here on August 20.

''Yes, we felt bad when Shiv Sena refused to vote for Mr Shekhawat. And our differences are confined to this issue only.

Otherwise we are well aware of each other's functioning and have fought many Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together. And they have also never thought who was junior or senior partner'', he said.

BJP's alliance with the Sena was only in Maharashtra and not at national level, although it was a part of the NDA. And none of the partners laid down any conditions for the alliance at any point of time, Mr Munde said.

UNI