Won't challenge BJP in UP: Shiv Sena

Mumbai, March 21 (IANS) Controversy again dogged the uneasy relations between the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amid reports here Friday that the allies may contest against each other in some seats in Uttar Pradesh.

Shiv Sena youth leader Aditya Thackeray immediately dismissed the reports as "rumours", while a party spokesperson declined to comment on it.

Media reports, attributed to Shiv Sena MP and spokesperson Sanjay Raut, claim that the party planed to put up candidates in 20 of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi from where BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi is a contender.

Though, Raut was not available for comment, another party spokesperson said that Thackeray has already clarified the matter.

Senior BJP functionary and leader of opposition in legislative council Vinod Tawade questioned the veracity of such reports and said it would not impact the BJP.

Raut reportedly said the Shiv Sena intended to contest 20 of 80 seats in the crucial north Indian state, including Varanasi, Lucknow and other seats from where prominent BJP leaders are contesting.

Thackeray later tweeted, rubbishing the media reports and declaring that the Shiv Sena would not put up candidates in Varanasi or Lucknow.