Mumbai violence: MNS demands resignation of RR Patil, Arup Patnaik

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Friday demanded resignation of Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil and Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik for failing to handle the last Saturday's violence in south Mumbai.

"Home Minister RR Patil and Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik should resign, as they have failed to handle the situation," he said at a press conference in Mumbai, and announced a protest march on Tuesday.

"After the 26/11 terror attack (in Mumbai), Patil had been unseated....If he does not understand the Home Department, why is he kept there? Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar should take over the charge."

The MNS chief alleged that information about possible mischief at the rally, organised by Mumbai-based Raza Academy and others to protest incidents in Assam and Myanmar, was available, but there was no action on it.

"How can this be called intelligence failure," he asked.

Alleging that police were "psychologically demoralised" after the violence, where several policemen were injured, he slammed Patnaik for allegedly using abusive language towards a junior police officer.

To protest against the violence and government's inaction, MNS would take out a morcha on Tuesday, Raj said.

"We will take out a morcha at Girgaon Chowpatty. I also appeal the police to participate, as they are psychologically demoralised."