By Dilip Chaware
The plan by the Shiv Sena faction led by former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray to turn Sanjay Raut’s arrest by Ed into a political issue has rebounded since it has been challenged to explain why so many of his detractors were arrested or harassed for frivolous reasons.
Former Sena minister Ramdas Kadam has asked many pointed questions in this regard. Himself a victim of the Sena’s internal politicking, Kadam was among the seniormost Sena leaders to come out in support of chief minister Eknath Shinde.
Kadam said Union minister and former chief minister Narayan Rane was arrested by the Thackeray government on a flimsy charge. Rane had made a statement criticizing Uddhav for one of latter’s gaffes. Rane was arrested by the police at Nasik and had to spend some time in custody till he was released on bail.
Actress Kangana Ranaut had to face action by the municipal corporation for some alterations in her house. The matter is now sub-judice. She was alleged threatened and was provided with security by the Centre when protection was not forthcoming from the state government under Thackeray.
Independent MP Navnit Rana and her MLA husband Ravi Rana had to spend days in jail custody for allegedly creating enmity between two groups of society. The more serious charge of sedition, too, was slapped against them for talking against the government.
A young stage personality, Ketki Chitale, was kept in custody for over a month for a retweet against NCP leader Sharad Pawar.
Thackreay’s opponents have been coming out in the open in increasing numbers to demand audit of many of his actions during his 30 month reign.
Dilip Chaware
A veteran journalist, formerly Special Correspondent, The Times of India, Mumbai.
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