Sushma is Thackeray's only choice for PM from BJP

Mumbai: Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray has said that Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj is the only leader in the ally BJP who would make a "deserving" Prime Minister.

In part three of his marathon interview, published by Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' on Sunday, Thackeray said: "At present there is only one person who is intelligent, brilliant - Sushma Swaraj." He was responding to the question who in BJP could become the next Prime Minister.

"I have said this many times... She would be a great choice for PM's post. She is a deserving, intelligent woman.

She would deliver a great performance," the Shiv Sena patriarch added. Thackeray also expressed dismay over senior BJP leader L K Advani's recent prediction that the next government may be formed by a non-NDA, non-UPA front.

"I find it difficult to say anything beyond (what he said). What should one expect from these people ? Why did he say so?" Thackeray said.

To a question whether the alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena was "strong", Thackeray said: "Now (I) can't use the word strong. Thinking has changed, there are personal animosities, animosities between the parties. NDA of the past had a leader like Vajpayee, now there is no such leadership. But I am talking about NDA, not BJP."