He said ``Violence in democracy is really condemnable.'' Stating that the Sena had denied its involvement, Thakre said he had no facts about who had attacked the office. ``But, whoever has done it, I condemn it,'' he said.

Addressing a press conference, he said the BJP had been amply clear that it did not agree with many of the programmes of the Shiv Sena. ``Differences are there from the beginning. We have been opposing many of the Sena's programmes. But the thing that holds us together is our fight against the dirty Congress,'' the BJP leader said.

Supporting the BJP Government's decision to go ahead with the cricket series with Pakistan despite threats from the Sena, Thakre felt that such programmes had to be there. ``Ultimately we have to live as neighbours in a peaceful atmosphere,'' he said suggesting that there should be cultural programmes too.

Saying thatGujarat violence had been blown out of proportion, the BJP president said there was an international conspiracy to destabilise the Vajpayee Government as some Western countries did not want India to emerge stronger.

``The violence was not one-sided. Both churches and temples were damaged. Not a single person was killed,'' he said. He ridiculed Pakistan for its comments on the issue. ``Thousands of Christians have been killed in Pakistan. It has a special blasphemy law,'' he pointed out.

Party Strategy:Referring to the strategy the BJP would adopt to emerge stronger in areas where it had been marginalised, Thakre said the party would reach out to newer sections like fishermen, shepherds, toddy-tappers etc. The party's programmes would be concretised and given a final shape. Specific programmes will be taken up in areas where the party is weak.

As far as Andhra Pradesh is concerned the BJP will take up the issue of irrigation works on Krishna and Godavari for an integrated development of water resources.Padayatras will be taken out, he added.

He said the party was concentrating more on strengthening its base in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa and Sikkim, where polls are due by year-end, rather than thinking on whether to have any electoral alliance with others.

``Going alone or along with somebody will be discussed when elections draw closer. At present we are concentrating on widening our base and reaching out to all sections of the society,'' he said, adding that the two-day party office-bearers meeting that concluded here this afternoon laid emphasis on how to emerge as an alternative force in Andhra Pradesh.