Protests erupt over Union Minister Narayan Rane’s ‘slap Thackeray’ remark

Union minister Narayan Rane was arrested on Tuesday after sparking off a row with his remarks about “slapping” Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. In Pic: Shiv Sena activists protesting at Goodluck chowk in Deccan area against Rane. (Express photo by Ashish Kale)

Referring to Thackeray’s recent speech, Narayan Rane had allegedly said on Monday, “He did not know the year of India’s independence. If I had been there, I would have slapped him.” | In Pic: Rane with BJP workers during the Konkan tour of 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra', at Sangameshwar in Ratnagiri district on Tuesday. (PTI Photo)

Shiv Sena activists protesting at Goodluck chowk in Deccan area against Union minister Narayan Rane. (Express photo by Ashish Kale)

Shiv Sena activists protested at Paral in Mumbai against Union minister Narayan Rane (Express photo)

Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) workers clashed with cops when they breached the police blockade and burst crackers in front of BJP’s city office at Shirole road while the city witnessed many anti and pro Narayan Rane demonstrations during Rane’s arrest followed by his statement on Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. (Express photograph by Arul Horizon)

At least three FIRs were registered against the Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Raigad, Pune, and Nashik districts. (Express photograph by Arul Horizon)

NCP, Shiv Sena and Congress workers protested against Narayan Rane during Rane’s arrest followed by his reported statement on Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. (Express photograph by Arul Horizon)