Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray likened the AICC general secretary’s visit to the city to “Mussolini’s rule”.
Taking exception to the heavy security blanket provided to Rahul Gandhi on Friday, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray likened the AICC general secretary’s visit to the city to “Mussolini’s rule”.
“This shows that a Mussolini raj is prevalent in Maharashtra,” said Thackeray, the pun being apparent as the reference was to the Italian dictator, Benito Mussolini. The Sena had earlier scoffed at United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s Italian origin. “If such a police cover is kept for the commoners everyday, it would be impossible for terrorists to enter the city.”
The security cover prevented Sena workers from protesting against Gandhi’s visit the way they planned. However, Thackeray claimed that Gandhi had to abandon his plans to travel by road to Pawan Hans in Juhu because he thought twice of the protest.
“Our workers showed Gandhi black flags at several places. That is why he felt insecure and chose to travel by train, instead of taking the helicopter.”
When asked why the Sena’s protest failed, Thackeray retorted: “We did not fail. The heavy security cover was the result of our protest.”
Reacting to Gandhi’s withdrawing of cash from an ATM machine near Andheri railway station to buy a first-class train ticket, Thackeray said, “It proves that Delhi looks at Mumbai as an all time money machine. They are interested in taking away money from Mumbai only. This city is being exploited by the rulers in Delhi for its wealth. But we will foil their attempt to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra.”
The police detained over 40 Sena workers in Vile-Parle, Andheri and Ghatkopar. The police had earlier sent notices to party leaders asking not to indulge in any illegal activity. Commissioner of police D Sivanandhan said all precautions were taken to ensure that Gandhi’s programmes passed off peacefully.
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