BJP president Amit Shah Friday dismissed rumours that its alliance with long-time partner Akali Dal is in trouble and blamed the media for the speculation.
Speaking at the Agenda Aaj Tak - 2014 conclave, Shah said a political alliance works out only when both the partners respect and understand each other's strengths.
He said the alliance can work only on this understanding.
"We never broke up with the Shiv Sena. We gave them an offer, but unfortunately it refused," the BJP president said.
"I believe the interaction that I have had with Badal sahab (Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal)...All is well between our parties. It is only the media that is making these speculations and it should stop doing this," Shah said.
"We will humbly work towards maintaining this alliance," he said.
However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president was quick to add that in an alliance, the scales do tip in the favour of the party which enjoys greater support of the people.
"These things do happen in an alliance. When the image of a party changes among the voters, the alliance changes too," said Shah.
Speaking about the BJP's ally in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena, he said: "We are together and it (Shiv Sena) is the part of the Maharashtra government."
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
