Author: Express News Service
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: August 25, 2012
URL: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sena-targets-azam-stands-by-raj-view-on-bangladeshis-in-mumbai/992985/

Introduction: An Editorial in Saamna, the Shiv Sena organ, while reitering Thackray’s stand questioned the source of Azam’s money

The Shiv Sena, supporting the contention of rival Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) that there was presence of Bangladeshis in Mumbai has targeted Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi describing as “a drama” his offer to give Rs 2 crore to anyone who proves presence of any Bangladeshi in his constituency.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray had raised the issue of Bangladeshi migrants in Mumbai in his Tuesday rally.

An editorial in Saamna, the Shiv Sena organ, while reiterating Thackeray’s stand that there are Bangladeshi migrants in the city, questioned the source of Azam’s money and why he was flaunting it.During his rally, Thackeray had alleged that a Bangladeshi passport was found at the Azad Maidan, where violence had broke out on August 11.

The editorial that comes days after the widely read Marathi newspaper gave significant coverage to the MNS rally, compliments Thackeray’s stand on the issue. Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, too, appreciated the efforts of the MNS and said everyone should come together against the government.

The editorial went to the extent of referring Azmi as “Satan”. “Satan has revealed the true nature of role of the agitators in the Azad maidan rally,” states the editorial, adding that Azmi seems to have made allegations of involvement of the drug mafia to divert the attention from groups actually involved.