MUMBAI: Taking a dig at Raj Thackeray’s MNS, the Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday said that the MNS was playing the BJP’s loudspeaker since the BJP led Centre had given Raj relief in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case. Raut said that the MNS was like the flame which flutters before it finally dies out.
"Shiv Sena chief late Balasaheb Thackeray had also taken a stand on loudspeakers in mosques. But this is the BJP's loudspeaker. The BJP has given relief in the action taken by the ED and after that this loudspeaker has started. The loudspeaker was off for a year and a half. We don't need to be taught Hindutva, it is in our blood. When Hindutva was attacked, BJP and its loudspeakers were not in front. Balasaheb Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena have fought for Hindutva. Forget the story of yesterday, the night is gone… the flame shutters before it goes out and that's what has happened," Raut said.
At a rally in Thane on Tuesday, Raj had taken up the issue of loudspeakers on mosques and given an ultimatum to remove the loudspeakers by May 3.
"Some things should be ignored in politics. Everyone knows that this is the BJP's loudspeaker. Those who cannot fight directly with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) are creating such an atmosphere by making such noises. Such people are being made to speak against us and scoring political brownie points. No one gives an ultimatum to the state government. Only Balasaheb Thackeray had the courage to give an ultimatum in this country and in Maharashtra. Balasaheb had given an ultimatum to the terrorists.. for Amarnath, Vaishnodevi Yatra," Raut said.
"The loudspeaker is playing as the Center has given relief to the ED's action. We are fighting against such bogus actions, we are not worried. Do mimicry on us, tell lies but Shiv Sena and MVA is strong. Such loudspeakers are playing out of frustration and despair. The BJP also tried to play loudspeakers against us, but to no avail," Raut said.
Raut also justified his use of foul language against BJP leader Kirit Somaiya.
"Those who are accused of insulting Kirit Somaiya will be insulted because they are anti-Maharashtra. If Kirit Somaiya, who is involved in the INS Vikrant scam, is so dear, call him and give him a medal on your behalf. If you want to show him off as your friend, put that medal around his neck. Hypocrisy has started. This has become clear once again yesterday. You are saying all this out of hatred. This is not what you are talking about, but someone has asked you to say this. You're just mimicking. The people of Maharashtra are not interested in this," Raut said.
