BJP, Shiv Sena iron out differences

MUMBAI, Dec 18 (PTI) — The BJP and the Shiv Sena today sorted out differences that arose between the two coalition partners over the formation of government in Maharashtra after the Assembly elections in October last.

The differences were sorted out at a two-hour meeting between Union Home Minister L.K. Advani and Sena supremo Bal Thackeray at a suburban hotel this afternoon.

Mr Advani told mediapersons after the meeting that the long standing relationship between the two parties would continue. Mr Thackeray said the Shiv Sena and the BJP would continue their efforts to bring a no-confidence motion against the Democratic Front (DF) government in Maharashtra. Mr Narayan Rane and Mr Gopinath Munde had already initiated steps in that direction.

The leaders said the Shiv Sena and the BJP decided to hold a joint party workers’ meeting and a public rally in January, 2000.