Shiv Sena to protest EC move on Thackeray

PATIALA, Aug 9: The Punjab unit of Shiv Sena Bal Thackeray has decided to organise demonstrations at selective district headquarters in the state on August 16 against the Election Commission8217;s decision to debar its national president, Bal Thackeray, from casting his vote and contesting elections.

Punjab unit chief Pawan Kumar Gupta said the Shiv Sena opposed this decision, which he added had cast doubts about the credibility of the Election Commission. He said the party has decided to oppose the Shiromani Akali Dal Badal-BJP candidate for the Patiala seat because Surjit Singh Rakhra quot;had failed to apologise for the screening of the movie Fire at his cinema hall in Patialaquot;. Gupta said the Shiv Sena may contest the Assembly elections in Punjab but did not elaborate.