Munde crisis is 'Bollywood of Politics', says Thackeray

As anticipation builds around Gopinath Munde's exit from the BJP, Bal Thackeray has said that he is willing to discuss the grievances that could drive Mr Munde into the arms of the Congress.

Mr Thackeray's party, the Shiv Sena, is the BJP's ally in Maharashtra, Mr Munde's home state. "If Munde leaves, it will not affect the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance," said Mr Thackeray.  However, he offered a consultation. "I will speak to Munde if he wants me to. My doors are open."

Mr Munde on Friday went public with complaints that his party had ignored the issues he had raised, which centre largely on his supporters being sidelined in Maharashtra to make room for those believed to be close to BJP President Nitin Gadkari.

Mr Munde, an OBC leader of considerable stature in Maharashtra, reportedly wants to be placed in charge of the BJP's affairs in Maharashtra - a request that senior leaders like LK Advani have refused.

"Why did Gopinath Munde take so long to realise he was being insulted?" challenged Mr Thackeray today. "I have stopped Munde before. I will not this time," he said.

The Congress has said it will "wait and watch" Mr Munde's position, fuelling the BJP's concern that its rival is making room for Mr Munde. "Where is your ideology? What have you told your supporters?" Mr Thackeray questioned Mr Munde via reporters. "You opposed the Congress your entire life. Now you want to join it!"

Mr Thackeray concluded, "This has become the Bollywood of politics."