Mumbai: Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray today (Sep 11, 2004) said the Election Commission (EC) should make clear the distinction between religion and politics.

"The difference between religion and politics should be made clear and till then we will continue to campaign in our own manner," he told reporters at his suburban Bandra residence.

"We will decide about it later if any action is initiated against us," the Sena chief said.

Thackeray's statement comes a day after the Election Commission warned policies that they would attract action if religious sentiments were used for political purposes.

Alluding to the lack of clear distinction between religion and politics, he said, "If the issue of Babri Masjid was a religious one, then why it was discussed in Parliament."

Asked whether Uma Bharti's 'Tiranga Yatra' will benefit the saffron alliance in the coming October 13 elections, Thackeray said," It is not a question of whether we are benefited or not, it is an issue of national pride."

The Shiv Sena will participate in the Tiranga Yatra, he replied to a query.

The Sena chief was speaking to reporters after releasing five booklets written by party MLA Kanhaiyalala Gidwani over the DF (Democratic Front) Government scams.

Referring to a cartoon drawn by David Low showing Adolf Hitler walking over the backs of leaders of the European community, the Sena chief said, "It resembles the way all political party leaders are bowing before AICC (All India Congress Committee) president Sonia Gandhi."