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Sena virtually launches election campaign

The Shiv Sena unofficially launched its campaign today for the next Maharashtra assembly election scheduled to be held early next year.

Sena leader Bal Thackeray -- who inaugurated the party's 'mahashibir' (camp) in the BYTCO College compound in Nasik this morning -- and other top functionaries exhorted party members to reach out to the masses and explain the achievements of the state alliance government.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane also called on party members to prepare in earnest for the election.

In a speech in the evening, Thackeray accused the Congress of "hatching a conspiracy" to level serious corruption charges on the eve of the election through social worker Kisan 'Anna' Hazare.

Addressing a large rally at the golf ground in Nasik, Thackeray warned that there could be anarchy if the government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee fell and the army would have intervene.

If Vajpayee goes, Sonia Gandhi will rule, but not for long. Thereafter, there will be anarchy, he said.

Talking to reporters, Rane said his government is committed to complete developmental works before the election.

To a question on his party's ambitious housing plan for slum-dwellers, the chief minister said the government is raising funds to meet its target of four million houses.

He preferred not to comment on the series of resignations from various government committees by litterateurs.

Rane also called on noted poet-dramatist and Jnanpith award-winner V V Shirwadkar alias Kusumagraj on his 88th birthday.

UNI

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