Thursday, August 23, 2012

RPI demands stern action against Raj Thackeray

MUMBAI: MNS chief Raj Thackeray's Tuesday speech at Azad Maidan has sparked off a sharp response across the city's political spectrum.
Republican Party of India (RPI) activists on Wednesday condemned Thackeray for his criticism of party chief Ramdas Athavle on the Indu mill land issue. The RPI demanded stern action against Thackeray under the draconian Anti-Atrocities Act for insulting Dr Ambedkar. Thackeray's effigy was burned by RPI workers at Parel and Kherwadi.
The RPI has for nearly a year been spearheading a stir for the land in Dadar to construct a memorial in honour of Dr Ambedkar. The state government has taken up the matter with the Centre as the land belongs to the Union ministry for textiles.
Thackeray had slammed Athavle on Tuesday for keeping silent when miscreants desecrated Lord Buddha's statue in Buddha Park, Lucknow, recently. "Athavle is only interested in the Indu mill land,'' he said.
Athavle replied, "Thackeray has every right to air his views. However, he should have exercised restraint before speaking on the Dr Ambedkar issue. I and my party strongly condemn his statement.''
RPI activists on Wednesday held demonstrations near the Bandra office of the collector, suburban Mumbai, demanding action against Thackeray.
Bharatiya Republican Party leader Prakash Ambedkar said Raj was playing "pedestrian politics''. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Manikrao Thakre accused him of creating 'unrest' in the state with irresponsible utterances.
The Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna on Wednesday carried a page 1 report on Raj's rally, yet another indication that Matoshree is keen on cosying up to Raj