Bhujbal sees ‘common link’ to riots

He blamed the fundamentalists from both sides (Hindus and Muslims) and added that there was a common link between the frequent communal clashes in several parts of the state and cited the example of some people trying to ignite communal passions in Satara after news about riots in Solapur spread.

Asked if the state home department had identified the organisations involved in such attempts, Bhujbal said he would disclose names at the right time. ‘‘I will take some decision about it after the festival season is over. I don’t want to create any sensation now,’’ he added.

He refuted Minister of State for Home Kripashankar Singh’s statement that the government is seeking to ban VHP and Bajrang Dal. ‘‘There is no such proposal before the government,’’ he said.

Bhujbal also sought to justify the decision to buy power from the Dabhol power plant. ‘‘At present, the state is buying power at an average Rs 3.15 per unit to tide over the severe power shortage,’’he said. ‘‘We are also considering the possibility of buying naphtha from the domestic market instead of importing it,’’ he added.