Modi is a self-created leader, BJP needs him: Thackeray

Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has come out in strong support of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership qualities, saying the 'BJP needs Modi, who is a 'swayambhu (self-created) leader.

"BJP needs Modi. Our ally (BJP) may not like this statement but it is in my genes to tell the truth," an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana, of which Thackeray is the editor, said.

Refering to Modi as 'Sardar-Modi', the veteran Shiv Sena leader said he was a 'swayambhu' leader who has the power to get what he wants 'by even bending Delhi.

The Sena chief also wrote about the coming together of the Yadavs in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for gaining power in Delhi and said leaders of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka should also come together to fight for their rights.

Thackeray also remarked on the recounted the energy and leadership qualities that late BJP leader Pramod Mahajan possessed. "Pramod may have made a lakh mistakes, but his energy and leadership quality was enough to overshadow those mistakes," he said.