Lok Sabha MP from Amravati, Navneet Rana and her husband MLA Ravi Rana on Saturday were arrested by Mumbai police for promoting enmity between different groups and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.
The couple had come to Mumbai after announcing that it will recite Hanuman Chalisa at Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s residence Matoshri. Hundreds of Shiv Sena workers barged in to the society at Khar in Mumbai where the couple was residing, kicking off the dramatic events on Saturday. After arrest, the couple too filed a complaint against Mr. Thackeray, Sena leader Sanjay Raut and Anil Parab accusing them for holding them responsible if any harm is done to them. It claimed that the plan of attack on their house was hatched at Matoshri and Sena workers with weapons had come with an intention to cause harm while Mr. Raut and Mr. Parab provoked them all.
However, the arrest of the couple might lead to further controversy as they both were seen hurling abuses at Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
“Do you think it is a game? Do not test Shiv Sena workers. If you challenge us with support from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), then be ready to get befitting reply,” said Sena Rajya Sabha Sanjay Raut.Mr. Raut rubbished the claims that such instances are being planned to create unrest in the State to implement President’s rule. “Do whatever you want, but do not expect us to remain calm if you challenge us to barge in to Matoshri,” he said.
Ms. Rana, who was elected to Lok Sabha from Amravati constituency as an independent with support from the Congress and the NCP, has now sided with the BJP. Till Saturday afternoon, the Rana couple maintained that it will go to Matoshri and play Hanuman Chalisa no matter what. She has been given ‘Y’ category security.Sena workers from Friday night had gathered outside Matoshri claiming the house will be guarded by them if anyone tried to come inside. Mr. Thackeray on Friday night had come outside requesting workers to not get aggressive.
As Sena continued its protest and a team of Mumbai police asked the couple to not create law and order problem, the MLA said that they both were going back to Amravati citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Maharashtra on Sunday as they did not want any unrest during the visit and do not want to cause any trouble to people. Mr. Rana claimed that devotees of Lord Rama and Hanuman will teach Thackeray a lesson. Ms. Rana said that she isn’t afraid of Mumbai police, but respects Mr. Modi and do not want any trouble during his visit.
After the announcement, Mr. Parab said that the Sena workers will not budge until the couple apologises for creating unnecessary trouble to Mumbaikars. “We have filed a complaint against them for threatening and creating trouble. We will pursue the case until they are arrested,” he said.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis tweeted claiming law and order situation in the State is deteriorating. “Shiv Sena, the State government and the Home department have come together forming a corrupt alliance. They are trying to gain sympathy out of this. This is nothing but a childish way of handling things,” he said.
