Rane asks EC to scrap Sena’s registration as State party

Terming Shiv Sena’s agitation over the non-Maharashtrian issue as “unconstitutional”, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Narayan Rane on Friday asked Election Commission to cancel registration of the party.

“Shiv Sena has raised the issue of non-Maharashtrians from Mumbai which is completely contrary to its own constitution and laws of the country. I request you to cancel their registration,” Mr. Rane said in a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner.

Sena was recognised as a State political party by accepting certain rules and constitution, Mr. Rane said, adding they have agreed to the ideology of democracy and belief that all citizens should be equal before the law.

“It was stated that they believe in common civil code for all citizens irrespective of their caste, creed, religion, language,” the Minister said.

However, the party should now make it clear if they still believe in national integrity by raising the issue of non-Maharashtrians, Mr. Rane said.

“The Commission should ask Sena to file an affidavit stating they believe in national integration,” he added.