CONGRESS FURIOUS

The Congress is furious with its ally, the Shiv Sena (UBT), since the latter's MLC Milind Narvekar has openly applauded the demolition of Babri masjid. In a post on the social media X (formerly Twitter) Narvekar, who is also a long-term personal assistant to his party chief Uddhav Thackeray, quoted the late Bal Thackeray as stating that he is proud of those who demolished the masjid. For good measure Narvekar included a picture of the demolition and also photos of himself, Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray.

The post was to mark the 32nd anniversary of the demolition which was followed by massive communal riots in Mumbai and other parts of the country. The post a has exposed major faultline in the MVA. It won't be surprising if the Congress decides to pull out of the MVA.

Senior MLA of the Congress Amin Patel told the FPJ on Saturday that the X post was not in keeping with the coalition dharma and was most unacceptable. He said the matter will be taken up at the highest level of the Congress. Senior Congress leader and former minister Arif Naseem Khan said it was shocking that Narvekar was openly applauding those who carried out the demolition.

"Uddhav Thackeray should immediately clarify whether he agreed the post. I will escalate the matter with my party leadership. The Shiv Sena (UBT) cannot be a part of the MVA and yet adopt the line of the BJP."