Kalyan calls on Thackeray

MUMBAI, MAY 25. In an effort to solicit the Shiv Sena's support for the Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh due early next year, the former U.P. Chief Minister, Mr. Kalyan Singh today called on the Sena supremo, Mr. Bal Thackeray, here today.

While Mr. Singh is the BJP's bete noire, the Sena is the BJP's ally in Maharashtra for over a decade and a constituent of the NDA Government at the Centre.

Both the leaders refused to divulge the details of the meeting which lasted over 90 minutes at Mr. Thackeray's residence.

Apparently, Mr. Singh, who was expelled from the BJP, sought the Sena's support in the Assembly polls. When mediapersons asked about a possible alliance, Mr. Thackeray said ``the Sena's alliance with BJP is only in Maharashtra. The party's request for alliance with the BJP in other States was turned down by them(BJP). So we are free to decide about the future course of action in Uttar Pradesh.''

Mr. Singh said the aim of his Rashtriya Kranti party was to wipe out the BJP from U.P. and it was open to alliance with anybody to achieve the goal. Asked whether the Sena would support Mr. Singh in the Assembly polls, Mr. Thackeray said ``you will come to know about it.''

On possible expansion of the Vajpayee Cabinet, Mr. Thackeray said his party would not be satisfied with the post of Additional Minister of State, but would stake its claim for a Cabinet berth. He said Mr. Ram Jethmalani, who was forced to quit the Union Cabinet, was in the Ministry as a Sena representative and ``we deserve a Cabinet rank Minister.''

- PTI

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