The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena on Monday took strong objection to the attires of two runners in the Mumbai Marathon. The parties demanded an unconditional apology from the organizers of the event as they feel that the runners have hurt the sentiments of the people.
Two unidentified participants had dressed up as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan and ran the marathon hand in hand.
However, condemning the ‘friendly gesture’ BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said: “They have hurt the sentiments of the people who revere Shivaji Maharaj. The organisers should seek an unconditional apology over this matter; otherwise, we will take action against them. The state government should also look into the matter and find out the culprits. If this is not done, our workers will participate in the next marathon dressed as Vilasrao Deshmukh, RR Patil and Ajmal Kasab.”
However, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that some participants do things without the knowledge of the organisers. “Anyway, we will find out who were the hidden Afzal Khan and Shivaji running hand in hand. I will personally look into the matter.”
The organisers could notbe contacted despite several attempts.
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