Bharat Bandh Tomorrow: MNS to 'Actively Support' Opposition's Shutdown Against Narendra Modi Govt, Says Raj Thackeray
MNS chief Raj Thackeray issued a statement on Sunday, appealing his party workers to work towards making the bandh a success. He, however, warned them against resorting to the use of violence.
New Delhi, Sept 9: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) will "actively support" the bandh called by a slew of Opposition parties tomorrow against the Narendra Modi government at the Centre.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray issued a statement on Sunday, appealing his party workers to work towards making the bandh a success. He, however, warned them against resorting to the use of violence.
"I appeal to all my Maharashtra sainiks, in its full force, to be part of the bandh," he said, adding, "(but) they should bear in mind to ensure no public property is damaged and the common man doesn't suffer."
Thackeray, however, appealed the common man to voluntarily support the bandh as the spiralling fuel prices is adversely impacting the lives of all citizens.
Blaming the demonetisation drive of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the skyrocketing fuel prices, Thackeray said heavy duties are being levied on petrol and diesel to "normalise the economy" from the shock suffered due to the note ban.
While the Thackeray scion has extended support for the bandh, his cousin brother and chief of Shiv Sena, Uddhav Thackeray, is still undecided. While the party has attacked the Prime Minister on the inflating fuel prices, it is yet to support the shutdown call issued by the Opposition. Notably, the Shiv Sena is a coalition partner of the BJP not only in the state, but at the Centre as well.
"It is an opportunity before Shiv Sena to jolt the Modi government," said NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik, adding that if Mumbai, the financial capital, remains shut, it would be akin to the entire nation participating in the bandh.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 09, 2018 01:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).