Mumbai: Strongly criticising the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government for its "failure" to effectively counter terrorism, Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thacekray on September 26 threatened to pull out of the ruling dispensation if it fails to act tough against terrorist activities.

"We will prefer to quit the government rather than sit and watch our country being insulted," the Sena chief told reporters at 'Matoshree', his suburban Bandra residence, referring to disruptive activities by militants.

The Sena was not interested in sticking to power while insults were being heaped on the nation, Thackeray, whose party is a key constituent of NDA, said.

Criticising the Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee of not taking any effective action against terrorists, the Sena chief said, "Vajpayee keeps repeating that we will not tolerate militancy. But there is no action to be seen.

"Ham bate karte rehte hain aur bardasht karte rehte hain," Thacekray said when asked about the government's efforts to counter disruptive activities of militants.

"Ab bate bahut hui", and now it was time to act tough against the militants, Thackeray said.

PTI