Maharashtra Chief Minster Ashok Chavan on Thursday condemned Uddhav and Raj Thackeray for "touching a new low" in politics with their comments on AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi.
"Nowhere in Indian politics, such a low level of personal allegations is seen. I condemn their (Uddhav and Raj Thackeray) utterances," Chavan told reporters on the sidelines of a revenue department engagement in Pune. Chavan said the current posturing of Shiv Sena and MNS is part of their "political agenda" as both the parties are bracing up for forthcoming civic elections in Mumbai.
On the statement made by Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut which is being construed as a threat to Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, who has refused to apologise to the Sena on the issue of Pakistani cricketers participation in the IPL, Chavan said, "We are watchful and will take action against those who try to take law into their hands." Chavan said all those who need protection under the circumstances would be provided with it by the government.
"We are also alive to the problems faced by Marathi people and the government will act within the constitutional framework," he said. Allaying apprehensions over security of Rahul, who is scheduled to visit Mumbai on Saturday, Chavan said the Congress leader had cover of Special Protection Group and the state police machinery would be in place to do the needful. In reply to a question, Chavan scotched media reports that he was targeted by NCP ministers during Cabinet meeting on the issue of taxi permits in Mumbai. PTI
