Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray's daughter-in-law Smita Thackeray visited Parliament today and met with Congress leaders, whom she refused to name.

She, however, showered praise on Congress president Sonia Gandhi, describing her as her inspiration and lauded Rahul Gandhi's style of politics.

Thackeray categorically expressed her desire to join the Congress and to work with Sonia Gandhi.

She told reporters that if the Congress "gives me the oppurtunity, I will definitely like to work with the party, and especially with Sonia Gandhi, who has fought all odds to get the crucial Women's Reservation Bill through in the Rajya Sabha.

Smita said she had no differences with her father-in-law personally, but aimed to fulfill her professional ambitions.

Smita Thacekray, who runs a social service organisation in Mumbai, said she had not got here because of her involvement in the activities of the Shiv Sena.

Commenting on Raj Thackeray and his style of politics, she said: "I have great respect for the Marathi Manoos and my kids study Marathi, but that does'nt mean that outsiders should not get their share." By Naveen Kapoor (ANI)