Raj questions IPL at ‘time of drought’

Raj Thackeray on Saturday took a swipe at Pawar for allowing IPL matches in the state. At the same time,he directed party workers to refrain from display of wealth.

The NCP,however,has opposed plans to shelve IPL matches here,saying that the state gets money from the game. “We expect at least Rs 15 crore as tax from IPL and any demand to cancel it is foolish,” said NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik.

MNS and NCP cadres have had face-offs at various places across the state,leading to violence in many parts.

Thackeray took the NCP dare,asking him to enter Pune. He had said that he would go to Pune on March 7 and dared anyone to stop him. On Monday,however,he softened his stand saying that he was not keen on any confrontation.

“Someone made a foolish statement asking me to enter the city and I chose to respond. However,many people thought I was going to hold a rally in Pune,which is not the case. This is examination time and I am not keen on doing anything that could create problems for students,” he said.

Thackeray’s change of heart seems to have been precipitated by Pawar,who advised his cadres not to disrupt his visit.

Thackeray also ridiculed Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut’s editorial piece in Saamna,where he was condemned for criticising Pawar. “I have not ridiculed Pawar. What I asked were basic questions. Read Raut’s articles ridiculing Pawar years ago,” said Thackeray. “I cannot understand how he acquired such affection for Pawar now,” he added.