‘Attack’ on Uddhav convoy ‘inspired by Abdali’s supari’, says Sanjay Raut

Leaders of Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena urge supporters to show restraint after violent incidents in Maharashtra.

Mumbai

After incidents involving the hurling of betel nuts, cow dung, coconuts, and tomatoes by supporters of the estranged Thackeray cousins in Maharashtra, leaders of the rival groups have called on their respective foot soldiers to exercise restraint. Workers of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) had attacked each other over electoral disputes.

While MNS Founder and President Raj Thackeray was travelling in Beed in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region on August 9, Shiv Sena (UBT) party men unsuccessfully attempted to hurl betel nuts (supari in Hindi and Marathi) on his vehicle. The inference was that he accepted a supari or, “contract,” by deciding to go solo in the upcoming Assembly elections. Eight people were booked for the incident.

In retaliation, MNS party workers threw cow dung, tomatoes, and coconuts at Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray’s convoy on August 10 while he was on his way to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s stronghold, Thane, to address his party members. About 40 MNS men were detained.

After the incidents on August 9 and 11, a war of words broke out between the party leaders.

Mr. Raj Thackeray said, “One should ensure that such incidents that create tension are prevented. Politics means a clash of views, not creating hurdles for others.” He appealed to his party workers to focus on the public’s problems, and channel their energy in that direction, and restrain themselves since they had delivered an appropriate response.

Mr. Raj Thackeray also took responsibility for the attack. He said that since Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders had failed to discourage their party members, his men found it suitable to respond in a similar manner.