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This is an archive article published on September 10, 2020

Disquiet in alliance over Kangana Ranaut: Sharad Pawar has a word of advice for Shiv Sena, Congress says why give her a handle

Given the onslaught Uddhav Thackeray is facing from the BJP, Sharad Pawar’s statement suggesting that the Shiv Sena possibly erred in handling the kangana Ranaut incident has come as a jolt to the restive leadership.

Kangana Ranaut, Kangana ranaut on Bombay HC order, BMC, Kangana Ranaut building demolition, Maharashtra government, Shiv Sena, India news, Indian expressKangana Ranaut. (Source: Instagram)

The Shiv Sena-controlled Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s demolition drive at Kangana Ranaut’s Mumbai office may have been put on hold by the High Court but it brought to the fore cracks in ruling coalition again.

Nationalist Congress President Sharad Pawar Tuesday broke ranks with ally Sena to question the BMC’s action. “I don’t know if there was anything illegal (about the office)…It won’t be appropriate to comment on this without having proper information. Illegal construction isn’t a new thing in Mumbai. In view of the prevalent situation, the BMC’s actions give space to raise doubt in people’s minds. However, BMC has its own rules and officers may have found it appropriate to take the action,” Pawar said.

Without naming the actor or the Sena, Pawar said that “undue importance” had been given to her statements.

Indeed, over the last 10 days, Ranaut and Sena have been trading barbs. Linking the Sushant Singh Rajput death to nepotism in Bollywood and a drugs mafia, she slammed the Mumbai Police saying it didn’t make her feel secure and the city felt like Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Also Read | Kangana property razing stayed: ‘If you were this swift always, city would be different’, HC tells BMC

Sena’s spokesman Sanjay Raut hit back asking her to leave the city and Sena members held protests after which she was given Y security by the Centre.

It’s this face-off – that has acquired a clear political BJP versus the rest tone — that framed the BMC’s demolition move today.

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Kangna Ranaut, Kangna Ranaut security, Kangna Ranaut Shiv Sena spat, Kangna Ranaut PoK, Kangna Ranaut Pakistan, Kangna Ranaut news, Indian Express Kangna Ranaut in Chandigarh amid high security on September 9, 2020. (Express Photo: Jasbir Malhi)

At one level, the attack by the BJP on the state government’s handling of the Sushant Singh Rajput case has also forced the three parties to close ranks. They coordinated with each other to bring in a controversial privilege motion against Republic TV’s Arnab Goswami as well as Ranaut.

But nine months into the coalition government, the tension within is unmistakable and the Ranaut-Sena faceoff is the latest point of friction.

From Explained | Who gets central government security, and who pays for it?

Late in the evening, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Pawar and Raut had a meeting. Sources said they discussed the government’s strategy on the Maratha reservation issue after the apex court stayed its implementation but, clearly, Pawar’s disquiet found an echo in a section of the Congress, too.

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Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials carry out demolition at Kangana Ranaut’s office. (ANI)

“She (Ranaut) should have been ignored…(this is) unnecessarily giving her a handle,” a senior Congress minister in the Thackeray government told The Indian Express. Another senior leader said: “It’s a self-goal.”

Former Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam did not mince words. “Sitting in Government you cannot do such things. It is sending a very wrong message. She (Ranaut) may be in contact with the BJP, she may be doing all this at the instance of the BJP, but why are you, a political party and that, too, a ruling party falling into such a trap? I cannot remain silent. It looks cheap.”

Read | Kangana office demolition: BMC action in present situation creates doubts, says Sharad Pawar

“Appalled as a Mumbaikar with the state of affairs in the economic capital of India. Maharashtra is Covid-19’s ground zero. Instead of focusing on governance, we’re busy settling political scores. Time for all parties to come together and set our priorities right,” tweeted Milind Deora, another former Mumbai Congress president.

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Given the onslaught Thackeray is facing from the BJP, Pawar’s statement suggesting that the Sena possibly erred in handling the Ranaut incident has come as a jolt to the restive leadership.

BMC officials arrived on Wednesday morning to demolish portions of her bungalow even as the actor was on her way to Mumbai. (Express photo by Amit Chakravarty)

Over the past few months, there has been discontent at the grass roots: Sena’s Parbhani MP Sanjay Jadhav threatened to quit as an MP due to his conflict with the NCP over the latter’s interference in appointments to the Agriculture Produce Market Committee; Raut even took a swipe at Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar alluding that he was responsible for the spike in Covid 19 numbers in Pune.

Read | RTI reply: ‘Between 2016 and 2019, BMC took action in only 10.47% of illegal construction complaints’

The Kangana Ranaut-Sena faceoff goes back to August 30 when the actor tweeted that she was scared of the Mumbai Police and preferred security from the Centre.

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A day later, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, in an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamna, said the actor was being “treacherous” in criticising the police force of a city where she makes a living and that she should not live in Mumbai if she felt unsafe here.

“Sanjay Raut… has given me an open threat and asked me not to come back to Mumbai after Aazadi graffitis in Mumbai streets and now open threats, why Mumbai is feeling like Pakistan occupied Kashmir,” Ranaut tweeted on September 3. The graffiti was a reference to slogans written during the anti-CAA protests.

Zeeshan Shaikh is the Associate Editor who heads The Indian Express' Mumbai reporting team. He is recognized for his highly specialized Expertise in analyzing the complex dynamics of Maharashtra politics and critical minority issues, providing in-depth, nuanced, and Trustworthy reports. Expertise  Senior Editorial Role: As an Associate Editor leading the Mumbai reporting team, Zeeshan Shaikh holds a position of significant Authority and journalistic responsibility at a leading national newspaper. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on two interconnected, high-impact areas: Maharashtra Politics & Urban Power Structures: Provides deep-dive analyses into political strategies, municipal elections (e.g., BMC polls), the history of alliances (e.g., Shiv Sena's shifting partners), and the changing demographics that influence civic power in Mumbai. Minority Issues and Socio-Political Trends: Excels in coverage of the Muslim community's representation in power, demographic shifts, socio-economic challenges, and the historical context of sensitive political and cultural issues (e.g., the 'Vande Mataram' debate's roots in the BMC). Investigative Depth: His articles frequently delve into the historical roots and contemporary consequences of major events, ranging from the rise of extremist groups in specific villages (e.g., Borivali-Padgha) to the long-term collapse of established political parties (e.g., Congress in Mumbai). Trustworthiness & Credibility Data-Driven Analysis: Zeeshan's work often incorporates empirical data, such as National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics on arrests and convictions of minorities, or data on asset growth of politicians, grounding his reports in factual evidence. Focus on Hinterland Issues: While based in Mumbai, he maintains a wide lens, covering issues affecting the state's hinterlands, including water crises, infrastructure delays, and the plight of marginalized communities (e.g., manual scavengers). Institutional Affiliation: His senior position at The Indian Express—a publication known for its tradition of rigorous political and investigative journalism—underscores the high level of editorial vetting and Trustworthiness of his reports. He tweets @zeeshansahafi ... Read More

Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape. Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis. The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage. Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting. Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics. National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections. Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum. Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital. Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief. Find all stories by Manoj C G here. ... Read More

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