MNS minister uses Bal Thackeray's photo on report, Shiv Sena irked

Mumbai: A photograph of Shiv Sena supremo, the late Bal Thackeray has become the latest bone of contention between the Shiv Sena and the MNS. Alleging that the MNS corporator Sudhir Jadhav has used the picture of Bal Thackeray on his report card, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party has filed a complaint of violation of model code of conduct against him at the Election Commission.

In his complaint, local Shiv Sena leader Yashwant Vichale has said that Mr Jadhav has published the pictures of Sena founder Bal Thackeray and his late wife Meena Thackeray on his report cards, which are being distributed in ward no 192 in Dadar. “When he (Bal Thackeray) was alive, he never allowed the MNS to use his pictures. Hence, the sainiks have strong feelings about this and this could lead to serious local problem,” said Mr Vichale.

He has also alleged that Mr Jadhav, along with his wife Shenal, is distributing Haldi-Kunku goodies and bags with the MNS pamphlets on it in the entire ward. This is a clear violation of model code of conduct and action needs to be taken against him, Mr Vichale added.

When asked, Mr Jadhav rubbished Sena’s allegations. “Not just Balasaheb’s, I have also used pictures of other great leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Babasaheb Ambedkar, APJ Abdul Kalam etc on my report card. I believe, Balasaheb was the leader of not only Maharashtra but also the entire Hindu community. If the Shiv Sena wants to limit the leader of his stature just to themselves, then I feel sorry for them.”

As far as haldi-kunku celebrations are concerned, it is not my fault if others are distributing goodies on my name. I had myself cancelled the haldi-kunku programme that was arranged at Kamgar Stadium due to the code of conduct.

According to the sources, both Shiv Sena and the MNS are engaged in fierce battle to stamp their superiority over the Marathi-dominated Dadar region and the clashes are likely to escalate further in coming days.