New Delhi: Launching a vitriolic attack on Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray after being discharged from Mumbai's Lilavati hospital, Amravati MP Navneet Rana on Sunday accused the former of suppressing a woman’s voice. The Amravati MP challenged the Maharashtra Chief Minister to contest against her. Alleging that Thackeray was abusing his power, she said that her fight would continue and the former cannot suppress her voice.


She alleged that no action has yet been initiated against the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s goons.


Questioning her guilt, the Amravati MP said: “If reciting Hanuman Chalisa is a crime then I am ready to be in jail for 14 years and not 14 days.”


Earlier, the Amravati MP’s supporters welcomed her after she was discharged from the hospital and presented her an idol of Lord Hanuman.


A special court had earlier on Wednesday granted bail to the Amravati MP and her husband MLA Ravi Rana, who were arrested on April 23 after their announcement to chant Hanuman Chalisa at the Chief Minister’s private residence ‘Matoshree’.


“It is to be noted here that political leaders play an important role in facilitating peace and tranquillity. Their vitality is appreciated due to the fact that they have followers, people who believe in what they say and act accordingly. Therefore, politicians and other public figures have greater responsibility,” the court said.


“The impact of political speech is also greater because politicians are in a position of authority. Undoubtedly, the applicants have crossed the lines of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution of India. However, mere expression of derogatory or objectionable words, may not be a sufficient ground for invoking the provisions contained in Section 124A of IPC,” the court added.


The court said that provisions of the section would apply only when written and spoken words have the tendency or intention to create disorder or disturbance of peace by resorting to violence.


“Therefore, though the statements and acts of applicants are blameworthy, the same cannot be stretched too far to bring within the ambit of Section 124A of the IPC,” the court added.


The Mumbai Police had earlier said that the couple’s intention was to cause public disorder and challenge law and order in the state.