rediff.com: Maharashtra government ready to pay any price to maintain law and order

The Democratic Front government in Maharashtra is 'ready to pay any price' to maintain law and order in the state in view of the possible arrest of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, Minister of State for Home Manik Thakre said in the assembly on Saturday.

"The government will deal with a firm hand with any eventuality to maintain law and order in the state," he said while replying to a debate on the Bombay Police (Amendment) Bill, 2000.

The bill was passed by a voice vote in the Lower House after Eknath Khadse (Bharatiya Janata Party) withdrew his motion to refer it to a 15-member joint committee of both Houses.

"Why was this particular case against Thackeray kept pending while four other cases were withdrawn by the erstwhile Sena-BJP government? What were your intentions in doing so?" the minister asked.

The attempts of those threatening to come out on the roads to prevent Thackeray's arrest and pressure the government will not be tolerated, he emphasised saying, "The government will not succumb to any pressure."

As far as Thackeray's case is concerned the government is well within the 'purview of the law', the minister said. "We are going ahead in this particular case, which was kept pending by the previous government," he added for good measure.

The issue of the state government's permission to the city police to prosecute Thackeray for his alleged inflammatory writing in the Sena daily Saamna during the 1992-93 communal riots was raised by opposition members during their speeches on the bill.

Earlier, Leader of the Opposition Narayan Rane alleged that the decision was taken without consulting senior home department officials. "Why is the case being reopened after seven years?" the former chief minister asked.

He asked whether the alleged inflammatory articles were sent to the Press Council of India to seek its views.

Rane criticised Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who also holds home portfolio, for briefing reporters after giving the go-ahead to prosecute Thackeray. "Even before the chief minister signed the file, Bhujbal made the decision public, thereby violating the Official Secrets Act," Rane alleged.

"The home minister, who himself does not adhere to rules, has no moral authority to bring new bills," he added.

Rane said the police force had been demoralised by frequent transfers and political interference.


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