MNS, Sena-BJP Demand Azmi’s Arrest; Protest On against MNS
MNS and BJP legislators created ruckus in Maharashtra Assembly on Wednesday insisting that SP MLA Abu Asim Azmi should be arrested for his “behaviour” on the opening day of the session and his subsequent remarks against Sena chief Bal Thackeray.
Immediately after commencement of proceedings in the House, MNS members started shouting slogans demanding Azmi’s arrest.
They said that while taking oath on Monday, Azmi had made threatening gestures.
Moreover, Sena and BJP MLAs also jointed their MNS colleagues and insisted that Azmi should be arrested for his “derogatory” comments against Bal Thackeray.
The House was adjourned for 10 minutes amid noisy scenes.
Analyst’s reaction
However, the saffron outfit’s reaction to the alleged derogatory remarks against 83-year-old Thackeray by Azmi have led political observers to believe that the roar of the Tiger has been replaced by the ‘meeow’ of a cat.
Azmi told media in Mumbai on Tuesday that “Bal Thackeray has gotten old. He is frustrated. He says he doesn’t want to die in Mumbai as people have not voted for him.”
“Had Azmi made these remarks some years ago, he would have been manhandled by Shiv Sainiks,” senior journalist and political analyst Aroon Tikekar was quoted as saying by PTI.
“However, Uddhav is a different kind of leader. He won’t easily give consent to manhandle a person,” Tikekar said.
“Uddhav is a sober leader, even if he tries to behave like Balasaheb,” he added
Rage agaisnt MNS
The assault on SP lagislator Abu Asim Azmi in the Maharashtra assembly came in for severe criticism by Hindi litterateurs and political parties in Uttar Pradesh with protestors burning effigies of MNS chief Raj Thackeray and demanding a ban on the party.
Congress and Samajwadi Party workers took out separate protest marches in Bhadohi district today.
Congress workers who submitted a memorandum addressed to President Pratibha Patil demanding ban on MNS, held the march through the streets and raised anti-MNS slogans.
Hindi Vidyapeeth President Sumit Vyas has sent a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking his help in ensuring that the most unfortunate incident of insult to the national language is not repeated.
CPI held a protest meeting in Lucknow during which it held Congress-NCP government responsible for the unlawful activities of MNS leaders against Hindi and north Indians.
Case against MNS MLAs
In connection with slapping of Azmi by MNS MLAs in Maharashtra assembly, one Salek Chand Jain on Tuesday filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court for urgent hearing.
The bench hearing the petition comprises Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, Justice B Sudarshan Reddy and Justice P Sathasivam.
However, the Bench asked the counsel to file it in the registry, and that it would take it up afterwards. In his writ, the petitioner has sought a direction to the Election Commission for de-recognizing the MNS for indulging in activities that could have a cascading effect throughout the country.
Inquiry against Azmi
An inquiry has been ordered into the “behaviour” of Azmi in the Maharashtra Assembly and its premises by the protem Speaker.
Protem Speaker Ganpatrao Deshmukh made the announcement following repeated demands by Opposition members, who alleged Azmi had made provocative speeches and insulted Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray.
“A detailed inquiry of the matter would be conducted by Principal Secretary of the House as demanded by the Opposition parties and the report would be submitted to the Speaker of the House,” Deshmukh said.
Leader of Opposition Eknath Khadse had said that Azmi’s misbehaviour in the House should be taken into consideration and action taken against him.
