Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray has claimed that Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi had to change his route during his Mumbai visit because of the Shiv Sena protests. Uddhav told the media that the Senas agitation was successful despite heavy security arrangements. He also thanked the Sainiks who participated in the protest. Our plan was to greet him with black flags and we succeeded despite the heavy security arrangements. He pointed out that the police had taken agitators into custody from several spots,including Bhaidas Hall at Vile Parle and Ramabai Nagar,Ghatkopar,where he addressed meetings. Referring to Rahul travelling in local trains amid heavy security arrangements,Uddhav said the former would not have been harmed even if he had moved without the security guards. Describing the heavy security arrangements as similar to Mussolinis regime,Uddhav said there would be no terror attacks if the security continued to remain so tight forever. Mumbai has become the ATM of Delhi, Uddhav said referring to Rahuls stop at an ATM booth en route to Andheri railway station,One can take away money from Mumbai to Delhi anytime we are fighting against it. Uddhav said Chief Minister Ashok Chavan had to wait for several hours at Ramabai Nagar for Rahul,like a constable,and claimed that one of his cabinet colleagues was taking care of Rahuls footwear. He said Rahul,who was so enthusiastic about exploring Mumbai,should have gone to Chor Bazar,where he could have found the jacket of 26/11 victim Hemant Karkare.
