BJP alliance with Akali Dal intact: Amit Shah

IANS

New Delhi, December 12

BJP president Amit Shah on Friday dismissed rumours that its alliance with long-time partner Akali Dal is in trouble and blamed the media for the speculation.

Speaking at the Agenda Aaj Tak - 2014 conclave, Shah said a political alliance works out only when both the partners respect and understand each other’s strengths.

He said the alliance can work only on this understanding.
“We never broke up with the Shiv Sena. We gave them an offer, but unfortunately it refused,” the BJP president said.

“I believe the interaction that I have had with Badal sahab (Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal)...All is well between our parties. It is only the media that is making these speculations and it should stop doing this,” Shah said.

“We will humbly work towards maintaining this alliance,” he said.

However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president was quick to add that in an alliance, the scales do tip in the favour of the party which enjoys greater support of the people.

“These things do happen in an alliance. When the image of a party changes among the voters, the alliance changes too,” said Shah.

Speaking about the BJP’s ally in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena, he said: “We are together and it (Shiv Sena) is the part of the Maharashtra government.”  -IANS