In view of the Shiv Sainiks hitting the road and targeting the offices of rebel MLAs, the home department has sounded an alert across Maharashtra with instructions to the police to avoid any untoward incident. Section 144, too, has invoked in Thane and Mumbai to prohibit the gathering of more than five persons.
The offices of rebel Shiv Sena leaders were attacked in Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune and a couple of other places.
In Mumbai, a group of targeted the office of party legislator Mangesh Kudalkar from Nehrunagar; in Ulhasnagar, the office of party MP from Kalyan, Shrikant Shinde, who is the son of rebel minister Eknath Shinde, was damaged. Besides, the office of another rebel legislator from Marathwada region, Tanaji Sawant’s office in Pune, was damaged. Further, a group in Nashik blackened banners featuring Shinde and legislator Dilip Lande, who represents the Chandivali assembly seat in Mumbai.
A senior Shiv Sena minister put the Home Ministry’s action in perspective. ‘‘A section of the BJP wants to project a collapse of law and order situation in the state; that will give them a handle to demand imposition of President’s rule.’’
However, the action was at variance with remarks of Sanjay Raut who told a TV channel: ‘‘This is the anger of the Shiv Sainiks. Fire once lit will not be doused. Shiv Sena will fight till the end. Picture abhi baaki hai.’’
Explaining the prohibitory orders in Mumbai, deputy commissioner of police (operations) Sanjay Latkar said, "Based on the information received from various sources, it is apprehended that there is likelihood of breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity and also there is grave danger to human lives and loss of properties. On that account, it is considered expedient to issue a prohibitory order." It will be in force from June 11 to July 10.
Joint commissioner of police (law and order) Vishwas Nangre-Patil had a meeting with all additional police commissioners and deputy police commissioners, where the current political scenario was discussed. ‘‘It has been directed to make adequate bandobast at all the political parties' offices, offices of ministers, members of parliament, members of legislative assembly and corporators and their residences in the city, the statement reads. The Special Branch has been asked to monitor social media.
The police have been asked to ensure that no objectionable posters or banners are put up.
This morning, Eknath Shinde tweeted to say that the state government has withdrawn security cover provided at the residences of 16 rebel legislators, including himself, and dubbed the action as "political vendetta". The charges, however, were denied by Sanjay Raut, Sena's chief spokesperson.
