We can topple NDA Govt., warns Thackeray

MUMBAI, OCT. 7. The Shiv Sena, an ally of BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre, today warned that it has the power to topple the Government and should not be taken for granted.

``We also can throw tantrums on the matter of allocation of portfolios and other issues,'' the Sena supremo, Mr. Bal Thackeray, said addressing the annual Dussehra rally of Shiv Sainiks at Shivaji Park in Central Mumbai.

The Sena supremo addresses the Dussehra rally every year.

``But we are extending an unstinted support to Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee only because the fall of the NDA Government will lead to a civil war instead of mid-term polls,'' he said.

``Keeping in view the national interest and threat from Pakistan we are supporting the Government and continue to do so,'' the Sena chief said.

``But we should not be taken for granted. Like the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Sena also has the strength to topple the Government,'' he said.

Coming down heavily on the new BJP president, Mr. Bangaru Laxman's call to partymen to reach out to Muslims, he said ``why only appeasement of Muslims. Do not forget Hindus on whose support we have assumed the power. Why Muslims are being singled out?'' The party should also invite Christians, Sikhs and Jains in its fold, Mr. Thackeray said, adding if Muslims wanted to stay in the country, they must adhere to the Constitution and laws of the land.

- PTI

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