Thackeray''s ''no'' to alliance with MNS

Mumbai, Feb 15 (PTI) Scotching speculation of anyalliance between the Shiv Sena-BJP and Raj Thackeray-ledMaharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), Sena chief Bal Thackeraytoday said there was no need for a "third one" in the combine.

"The Sena-BJP alliance was formed on the issue ofHindutva and we have fought strongly against many who came inthe way. Our alliance is the only answer for all problems ofMaharashtra and there is no need for a third one," Thackeraysaid in an editorial in the party mouthpiece ''Saamana''.

There were reports in the media that the Sena-BJP maygo with the MNS in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation pollsscheduled next year. MNS chief Raj''s courtesy visit to stateBJP office last year had sparked the reports.

Asked about the reports, BJP spokesperson Ravi ShankarPrasad had said on Sunday that the decision about forging analliance with any other party would be taken at the nationallevel.

Senior BJP leader and MP Gopinath Munde had expressedthe possibility of the party joining hands with MNS, sayingsuch an alliance can bring down Congress-NCP ruling Governmentin the state. He was speaking in the context of MNS dividingvotes of the saffron alliance during last Assembly polls whichcould be avoided with the new formula.

Commenting on Munde''s proposal, Thackeray said, "We havea special affection for Munde and he may be having a nationalperspective while working at the national level. But still webelieve in the ''family planning'' formula of one or two isenough." .