Raj Thackeray ‘uncultured’,won’t ‘stoop to his level’,says NCP

Kakade was reacting to the “abusive” language used by Raj Thackeray against him and other NCP leaders like Madhukar Pichad and Ajit Pawar. “We are a responsible party that believes in maintaining discipline and public decorum. We are not as uncultured as he or his party is…” said Kakade.

Kakade,who had a few days ago announced that NCP would not allow Raj Thackeray to come to Pune,however clarified on Sunday that his partymen might protest at his venue. “We will not stop him from coming to Pune,but may protest at the venue where he is present… We are waiting for instructions from party leaders,” Kakade added.

Thackeray had on Saturday challenged the NCP to stop him from coming to Pune on March 7.

Clarifying the party’s stand,NCP city president and MP Vandana Chavan also said: “After provocative statements made against our leaders,some of our party leaders had said that they would not allow Raj Thackeray from coming to Pune. But we are a party that believes in democracy and upholding the Constitution. Every individual has a right to go to any place in the country and express his views. Therefore,as per the instructions of our leader Sharad Pawar,we will not stop Raj Thackeray from coming to Pune,” said Chavan,adding that there will also be no protest when Raj Thackeray arrives in Pune.

Supporting Kakade’s view that Raj Thackeray was resorting to “uncultured” ways,Chavan said,“Our party is shocked at the kind of language used by him…he is provoking youngsters,it is scary… This is not the culture of Maharashtra. In fact,political parties in the state do not stop to such ridiculous level.”

Chavan said that at a time when the state is reeling under the worst kind of drought,some leaders are trying to cash in on people’s plight and create law and order problems. “The NCP will not allow this is to happen. We’ll stop such elements in their tracks,” said Chavan.

Senior party leaders said Sharad Pawar had asked party leaders and workers to maintain calm and not get provoked by Raj Thackeray’s statements. “Raj Thackeray is looking for political mileage…let’s not play into his hands,” Pawar has reportedly told party leaders.

Meanwhile,MNS city leader Ranjit Shirole,however,said Raj Thackeray has told them not to get worked up and ensure peace. “He has told us that there should be no special arrangements for his arrival. If NCP workers try to create problems,we will face them head on…but ensure that peace in the city is not disturbed…” Shirole said.

Raj Thackeray will not be holding a meeting,but will be in city for a brief while at his Law College Road residence,he added.

Saturday’s public rally in Jalna was Thackeray’s first,after a group of men,allegedly from the NCP,pelted stones at his convoy in Ahmednagar earlier this week.

The attack was in response to the alleged abusive language used by Thackeray against Ajit Pawar.

Thackeray has in fact admitted to having used abusive language against Ajit Pawar,“because he deserved nothing better”. “Ajit Pawar said he was hurt because I used abusive language against him. But that it is the language you deserve. Please go and see what common people say about you. They hurl worse abuses at you…” Thackeray is reported to have said at Jalna.