Sena's role in Prez poll will be 'determining factor': Swaraj

MUMBAI: The BJP on Sunday said the role of Shiv Sena, which has decided to support UPA-Left nominee Pratibha Patil, in the July 19 presidential election will be a "determining factor" in deciding its future alliance with that party.

"We will review the alliance with Shiv Sena only after July 19, but its role in the elections will be a determining factor," BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said.

Swaraj, who was here to attend a meeting of BJP legislators ahead of the Presidential poll, was responding to a query whether the saffron alliance will break in view of Sena's support to UPA-Left candidate Pratibha Patil.

"I appeal Shiv Sena legislators to vote for Bhairon Singh Shekhawat," she said.

But when asked whether she would meet the Sena leaders in this regard, Swaraj, who is managing Shekhawat's campaign,  answered in the negative.

"They (Shiv Sena) have arrived at the decision after talking to us. I would not meet any of the Sena leaders separately now," she said.

"Sena should rethink on its decision, keeping in view our long association and ideological similarities," she said.