Shiv Sena leaders are not above law: Congress

Congress today refused to indulge in a verbal duel with the Shiv Sena even as the Bal Thackeray-led party decided to carry out black flag protest against Rahul Gandhi's day-long visit to Mumbai.

"Where is the need to get excited on it (Shiv Sena's utterances). Fortunately, the Shiv Sena leaders are not above law nor do they make law," party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said on the Shiv Sena's statements against Gandhi and their decision to stage black flag protest during the visit tomorrow.

"Reacting to every petty statement is not necessary...Why give so much importance to it," Singhvi said. He said Congress and Rahul are not bothered about Shiv Sena's rhetoric and their black flag protests.

On Maharashtra government seeking legal opinion on all controversial statements reported in the media in the last 15 days, Singhvi said the home minister of the state has a right to order investigations in any such matter. He said this was to ascertain the facts.

Asked whether action will be taken, Singhvi said, "wait for the facts to come out". AICC spokesman Shakeel Ahmed said the Maharashtra government will take legal advice and then take action.