"Ritual" in Meenatai’s memory becomes a "moral" dilemma

Shinde however is defiant. Claiming that the Chief Electoral Officer is “crossing all limits,” he said selling pulses and cereals at cheap rates was a “tradition” followed every year to mark the birth anniversary of the late wife of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray. It couldn’t be any different this time.” In a press release issued today, Shinde, who represents Mulund (E), announced that cereals and pulses will be sold at subsidised rates on January 5 at various Shiv Sena shakhas in Mulund. Accordingly, rice will be sold at Rs 9, wheat – Rs 7, pulses – Rs 22 and sugar at Rs 12.

Shishir Shinde’s largesse to the masses forms one of the many programmes arranged by him to mark Meenatai Thackeray’s birth anniversary on January 6th. The programme begins on Sunday with a children’s fair. A Masaheb Thackeray Balnagari’ will be set up in the huge Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje maidan in Mulund (E) tomorrow. For Tuesday, January 6, Shinde has arranged a medical camp where ECG, X-ray facilities, blood tests will be taken for free. If all these could continue as occasion demands, Shinde refuses to see the logic behind cancelling the sale of cereals . “I am not contesting the elections,” he said.

“Why didn’t Shankaran stop me from selling sugar at Rs 16 during the three week transporters’ strike last month? At that time sugar was priced at Rs 35 per kilo. Even now, I will be selling onions at cheaper rates,” he maintained.

When reminded that no electoral dates were announced earlier and hence there was no code of conduct, he remained adamant and said he was not afraid to face “any kind of action” .“I am a man of the people. Am I supposed to keep my hands tied and watch poor people suffer simply because the model code of conduct is on?” he asked. He refused to consider postponing the sale and said that every other activity of the Sainiks, like giving cheap ambulance services, were on, in spite of the code of conduct. “Tell me, what if Pakistan attacks tomorrow? Will the ruling parties sit tight since a victory would be a success for the ruling parties, and hence violate the code ?” he asked.

In his inimitable belligerence, he challenged the electoral officer. “Let him take any action. I am more worried about the people…even now around 300 children are standing outside my house for the passes for tomorrow’s function”, he said indicating he had better things on mind than following official guidelines.