Let Mamata take a call on rejoining NDA: BJP

Virtually inviting Mamata Banerjee to rejoin the National Democratic Alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday said she should "take a call" on the issue, considering her "suffocation" in the UPA.

"As far as Mamata Banerjee is concerned, I can only say that she has worked with us, has been a minister in the Vajpayee government.

"She has seen the working of the NDA, the respect, consideration we gave (her). And she has seen the suffocation of the UPA as well. Let her take a call," party spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters here, after the two-day national executive meeting concluded.

He was responding to a query on whether BJP was making overtures to the Trinamool Congress leader, who has had strained relations with ally Congress, in its quest for expanding NDA base.

Asked about Shiv Sena's praise of Narendra Modi's leadership skills, Prasad said, "Many people in the world are also acknowledging Modi's leadership skills and governance".

When pointed out that Sena leader Sanjay Raut had said that Bal Thackeray backs Modi as far as Hindutva and development issues are concerned, irrespective of whichever leader BJP projects internally, Prasad said, "No comments."

On whether BJP would consider taking along MNS of Thackeray's estranged nephew Raj, Prasad said, "Our relations with Shiv Sena go back over 20 years. And they have been very good relations."

"We all respect Balasaheb Thackeray very much. This is the foundation of our relationship."

Asked about possible new allies, Prasad evaded a direct answer, saying they will be known at an appropriate time.