Even as it waits to clinch a deal with the BJP on its role in the new Maharashtra Government, the Shiv Sena backed the demand voiced by Congress MLA Praniti Shinde, daughter of former Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, for a ban on the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) on the ground that it is engaged in "anti-national activities."
Saamna , mouth-piece of the Shiv Sena, in an editorial on Tuesday said, “She (Praniti Shinde) is from Congress and is a daughter of Sushil Kumar Shinde. Instead of discussing how she managed to say this despite coming from the Congress, we all must stand united behind her. She has spoken what the people of this country want to speak”.
It charged that the Owaisi brothers, who run the MIM, are indulging in anti-Hindu propaganda to poison the minds of Muslims.
“The MIM has won two seats in Maharashtra and have come second or third in almost 14 seats. If that is the reason why they are going out of control, then Maharashtra’s Fadnavis government must take strict action. Praniti Shinde has taken a stand. We all must not leave her hapless. Shiv Sena will stand with her always,” said the editorial.
Two days ago, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray even appealed to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to join hands to strengthen the Hindutva forces to check the rise of anti-national forces in the State.
On Monday, Sena MLAs gifted a green skull cap to BJP Minister Eknath Khadse. The Minister had, last week, announced that the new Government would introduce Urdu as an optional language in Marathi schools in the State. The Sena has opposed the decision.
