Sena chief lashes out at Raj’s antics

Zeenews Bureau Mumbai, Feb 15:

Continuing his verbal spat with Raj Thackeray`s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) over its anti-immigrants’ campaign, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray on Friday blamed the latter for “dirty politics” for cheaper publicity. In an editorial published today in Sena mouthpiece Saamana, senior Thackeray blamed his nephew and MNS chief for indulging in caste-based politics, inciting violence, and distorting the secular fabric of the society. Shiv Sena supremo expressed his strong displeasure for Raj Thackeray`s violent campaign against North Indian migrants followed by law and order problems across the state recently and asked MNS to work in the larger interest of all those living in Maharashtra. In an apparent reference to MNS, Bala Saheb urged all political parties to put the country`s interests first and abide by the ‘Rashtra dharma’ (national ethos). The Sena supremo even raised questions over the tragic death of Ambadas - a Maharastrian - during the recent violence in Nashik, while maintaining that the Samajwadi Party was equally responsible for recent disturbances witnessed in the state. Earlier, in a veiled attack on Raj, who left the Sena in 2005, he said, "When Shivaji Maharaj unfurled the saffron flag in Maharashtra, those who stabbed him in the back were his blood relations, his own Marathas." "When we proclaim the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj, it is not only to announce caste inheritance," the 82-year-old Sena patriarch noted. For the last 40 years, the Shiv Sena has imbibed Hindutva, he said, adding, "Now, the Hindu religion is facing invasion after invasion. At this time, reply will have to be given to this Islamic aggression through Hindutva." Meanwhile, MNS chief Raj Thackeray has reportedly apologised for the recent attack on the commercial complexes owned by the north Indians, damages done to public property and loss of lives during violence in Nashik, Sholapur, Aurangabad and other areas.

When Mandal politics threatened to divide Hindus, the Mandir agitation rescued Hindu unity. This time too, when Raj Thackeray's parochial politics threatens peace in Maharashtra, the force of Hindutva should be unleashed to strengthen peace in Maharashtra and elsewhere. Otherwise anti-national forces would exploit the situation.