Amidst row over NCP leader Jitendra Awhad remarks on Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti, Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction leader Kiran Pawaskar on Sunday slammed Uddhav Thackeray stating that is the leader claims that he has not shunned Hindutva, will he be able to stop NCP's Jitendra Ahwad from making anti-Hindu comments, news agency ANI reported.
Speaking with reporters, Pawaskar stated: "Uddhav Thackeray says he has not shunned Hindutva, so will he stop NCP's Jitendra Ahwad from making such anti-Hindu remarks, lest, he should stop this drama that he hasn't left Hindutva. If he himself can't say this, then he can ask his 'dog to bark'."
Earlier on Saturday, Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Secretary Advocate Vivekanand Gupta had registered a complaint with Thane police and Mumbai Police against senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Jitendra Awhad. In a letter addressed to the police, Gupta stated: “The statement made by Awhad is not only provocative but is an attempt to create communal riots in the state. The said statement has also hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. His statement is a deliberate attempt to promote religious enmity between different groups," ANI reported.
He went on to say that it is apparent and obvious from Awhad's comments that he wishes to disrupt public peace and order.
Gupta also asked the police to take action against Awhad in line with the legal process.
Senior NCP leader Jitendra Awhad remarked on Friday that the country's current status is such that festivities like Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti appear to be intended for rioting. “It seems that the festivals of Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti are for riots only. The law and order situation across cities has deteriorated due to riots. I think we will see more such riots in the coming years,” he had said.
The NCP leader's comments came less than a month after riots erupted during Ram Navami festivities in West Bengal's Howrah district.
Similar conflicts and flare-ups were recorded in Bihar's Patna Sharif during Ram Navami religious processions.
Several vehicles were set on fire during the violence that erupted in West Bengal amid Ram Navami festivities. Rioters are also accused of vandalising public and private property.
During Ram Navami festivities, similar confrontations erupted in Bihar's Nalanda district. There were several allegations of burning and stone pelting during the state's riots, causing the authorities to issue prohibitory measures under Section 144 in rioting regions.
(With Inputs From ANI)