‘Free hand to cops to keep peace, govt together in thick & thin’

Following the adage that the best defence is a good offence, the Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government has decided to nip the opposition attempts to polarise the state on communal lines. The government has given a free hand to the police to take stern action in case of provocative speeches.

All MVA partners are unanimous that the government will appear strong and tough when it comes to maintaining the law and order situation. The partners have taken an aggressive stand, knowing that the opposition, in particular the BJP, has been at the forefront to make a fresh demand for President’s Rule citing collapse of administrative machinery in the state.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who last week held a marathon meeting with NCP chief Sharad Pawar, seems determined to foil such attempts.

The MVA’s strong signal forced the MNS to step back and cancel Maha Aartis scheduled on May 3, which coincided with Eid celebrations.

MVA leaders have also said that the Supreme Court order on use of loudspeakers is not restricted to mosques but also to temples and other religious places. The arrest of Navneet and Ravi Rana has also sent a strong message that it will not allow the opposition’s gimmicks.

A senior Sena leader said, “The message is loud and clear that MVA is not weak as painted, and prepared to take on the opposition, thereby countering their attempts to discredit and defame the state.”

The NCP and Congress have had no objection against Thackeray reiterating that the Sena has never quit Hindutva but has left the BJP. “However, the secularism thread ties up three ruling partners as per the common minimum programme and they are together in the thick and thin,” said a senior NCP minister.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has also summed up the MVA’s strategy, making it amply clear that dictatorship won’t be allowed in Maharashtra. State Congress chief Nana Patole has also claimed that the government will not allow the state’s development and investment to be impacted by creating instability and communal tensions.