Sena MP, MIM legislator indulge in war of words
In reply to an open letter written by Imtiyaz Jaleel, legislator of All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), circulated on social media, Chandrakant Khaire, Shiv Sena MP, stated that he stood behind citizens when protestors from a minority community were rioting in Aurangabad city. Khaire held that community responsible for the riots and advised Jaleel to ask his leaders to keep peace instead of advising him. Jaleel said the common man expected to Khaire protect everyone since he represented all sects, instead Jaleel claimed Khaire incited tension during the riots.
Jaleel’s letter asking for Khaire’s support in keeping peace in the city went viral. He stated that the city had been defamed after the riots. He blamed Khaire for allowing the riots to continue for his political benefit. In his reply, Khaire denied the allegations against him and said, “If Jaleel really wanted peace and if he is really innocent, he should have called me and discussed how to control the situation. Instead, he posted the letter on social media to defame me.”
“Yes, I am Hindu supporter. For me, any position is less important than being Shiv Sainik. It was Balasaheb Thackeray, late Sena chief, who nurtured me and that is why I won the assembly and then Parliament election. It was my duty to protect people instead of holding peace marches as citizens were attacked by a particular community,” he said.
Khaire said that it is his fourth term as MP and Jaleel is a first-time legislator. He added that during his term the Shiv Sena had found a foothold in the city, Aurangabad had never experienced communal riot. It started after ‘imported’ MIM from Hyderabad entered the city. “I too want all communities in the city to live in peace and prosperity, but it is also responsibility of MIM to support it instead of accusing Shiv Sena for the riot,” he said.