Sushma best choice for PM from BJP: Thackeray

Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has said Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj is best suited from among BJP leaders for the Prime Minister's post.

In the last of a three-part interview published in party mouthpiece Saamna on Sunday, Thackeray said there is a long queue of people aspiring to become PM of the country but none of them thinks about the progress of the country. Speaking to Saamna editor Sanjay Raut, Thackeray said, "I have said this in the past that at present there is only one person who is intelligent, brilliant and that is Sushma Swaraj. In my opinion she is a deserving candidate," he said.

Thackeray also expressed disappointment over L K Advani's comment that the next government may be formed by a third or fourth non-NDA, non-UPA front.

"Advani is nine months younger to me, and yet I find it difficult to say anything about him. I do not understand why they say such things...let it be," Thackeray said.

The BJP, which has been dithering over the issue despite jostling among senior leaders, sought to play down Thackeray's remark, saying there were many capable and competent leaders within the saffron ranks to lead the country.

"We have a lot of capable leaders who can become the Prime Minister. Our existence is not dependent on a single family and, therefore, different people see different leaders in our party who can lead the country in these difficult times. And we welcome what Balasaheb has said," party spokesperson Balbir Punj said.

"BJP has many leaders who are competent to become the Prime Minister and acceptable in the country.... Decision on this will be taken by the BJP and other NDA partners at- the time of elections," BJP vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said.

... contd.

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