‘MNS violence under control in Maharashtra’

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi RANCHI Monday, November 10, 2008

The State and Central Governments have taken all measures to control MNS-sponsored violence in Maharashtra," said AICC secretary and State Congress in-charge Abdul Mannan. Mannan faced some prickly moments while clarifying party’s stand on MNS issue and the strings of terror attack in the country. But he parried several curt questions on how MNS chief was allowed to hold a Press conference when he was under custody. Mannan blamed Shiv Sena and RSS for atrocities against north Indians and credited the Centre for taking stern action against MNS activities. But he was left with no answer when he was reminded of the media report that said the Maharashtra Chief Minister refused to take action against MNS chief Raj Thackeray even after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh categorically wanted it. While referring to alleged involvement of Pragya Singh Thakur in Malegaon blast, Mannan cautioned that Hindu right wings were spreading its tentacles spelling bad omen for the country. While searching for a suitable answer about what stops the Centre from hanging Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, he said, "His petition for clemency is lying with the President and the Centre has no role in it." Home Minister Shivraj Patil also reminded him of the inept handling of the security issue that he preferred not to answer. Media also wanted to know party’s stand on the current spate of transfer and posting in the State and reminded him of MP Sushila Kerketta’s demand who wanted specific officers to be posted in her area. Both the leaders however termed it the personal choice of the leader but offered no reaction over transfer and posting issue.