Sena will carry on its battle for 'Marathi Manoos': Thackeray

Mumbai, Jun 16: Lashing out at a section of the media for ''creating misunderstanding'' about his party in the eyes of Marathi speaking people, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray today (June 16) asserted that the outfit has always carried out its struggle for the cause of ''Marathi Manoos''.

"Shiv Sena always struggled for the cause of the Marathi Manoos but a section of media always targetted the Sena," Thackeray said in party mouthpiece ''Saamana'' today.

He however said that "no matter how much they are criticised but to benefit ''Marathi Manoos'' and Maharashtra, Sena will carry on its battle."

Reiterating that Sena never opposed to the renaming of Marathwada University after B R Ambedkar, Thackeray said that by considering the historical importance he directed that the name Marathawada should be retained.

He also said that "Dalit leader R S Gavai and NCP leader and Union Minister Sharad Pawar are witness to the development." Thackeray urged the two leaders to clarify the issue.

Spelling out his stand on the womens' reservation issue, Thackeray said the government must make it mandatory for political parties to reserve half of the total number of seats they contest for women.

Speaking on caste-based womens' reservation, he said if a party does not find a suitable women candidate belonging to a particular caste then it will have to suffer politically in that particular ward.

PTI