Thakre told press reporters in Panaji that the RSS is not putting pressure on the Government to breach the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. ``The RSS wants a resolution of India-Pakistan conflict through dialogue,'' Thakre said. He, however, advised the Government not to reduce pressure on Pakistan until the last of its soldiers are driven out of Indian territory.

Thakre was in Goa to interact with the party's MLAs and plan the party's strategy for the coming Lok Sabha elections.

On the Kashmir issue, Thakre noted that the BJP would not withdraw India's claim over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). ``As per an all-party resolution on Kashmir in the Lok Sabha, we will pursue thereturn of PoK to India,'' Thakre stated.

The BJP is also preparing to turn its diplomatic victory over Kargil into an issue in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. When queried in this regard, Thakre said, ``All the good work done by the party will be highlighted in the election campaign.''

BJP for simultaneous Maharashtra polls

Clearly capitalising on the Army's remarkable showing at Kargil and Sharad Pawar's revolt against the Sonia Congress, the BJP is pressing for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Maharashtra. Thakre told The Indian Express that its ally Shiv Sena also agreed for simultaneous polls in the State. ``We will approach the Election Commission in this connection,'' Thakre said.

Thakre feel that the vertical split in the Congress party in Maharashtra will benefit the BJP-Shiv Sena combine in the State. The saffron party is also likely to tone down its earlier shrill opposition to the Italian-born Sonia Gandhi taking over as prime minister. ``It has been made intoa big issue by a section of the Congressmen, like Sharad Pawar,'' Thakre said.

The tenure of the current Maharashtra Assembly is scheduled to last till March 2000. However, a section of BJP leaders led by Deputy Chief Minister Gopinath Munde are in favour of holding simultaneous polls in Maharashtra.