Deshmukh govt is 'scared' of Thackeray, alleges NCP activist

Mumbai, Sep 5 (UNI) Alleging that the Maharashtra government was 'scared' of the Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, an office bearer of NCP Mangleshwar Tripathy today said the law of the land should be applicable to all.

''The state government is sitting pretty for the past 14 months and has not given its approval to prosecute Mr Thackeray. Is the government scared of such action?'' asked Mr Tripathy while addressing the media here today.

Mr Tripathy, who is the district president of the Party's Northwest unit, had written to the government in June last year to prosecute Mr Thackeray for allegedly inciting the 'Hindu' community against the other communities and using objectionable language during his speech at the Sena's foundation day on June 19, 2006.

''In this connection, I have already shot off three missives to the government since then, but to no avail. Now I am going to write them on this issue once again,'' the NCP leader said.

''I have also met Home Minister R R Patil several times, but his only reply so far had been 'I will look into it,'' Mr Tripathy alleged.

Incidentally, Mr Patil, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister in the Congress-led Vilasrao Deshmukh government, is from the NCP, which shares power with the Democratic Front government in the state.

A Sessions Court has already issued a bailable warrant to be executed before September 27, against the Sena chief.

The court, in its August 23 order, has permitted the Police to execute bailable warrant at the residence of accused Bal Thackeray.

However, at the same time, it has permitted him to execute the necessary bail bond at his residence.

UNI