"If you do Dadagiri...": Uddhav Thackeray warning to Rana couple over Hanuman Chalisa row

Mumbai, Apr 25: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray today spoke up on the Hanuman Chalisa controversy, with a warning to the Rana couple who have been arrested over Hanuman Chalisa row.

"It's being said that we've ignored Hindutva. Is Hindutva a dhoti or what? Our Hindutva is 'Gada Dhari' like Lord Hanuman's Gada. If you want to recite Hanuman Chalisa, call and come home. But if you resort to 'Dadagiri' we know how to crumble it," said Uddhav.

"If you don't have tradition to chant Hindutva, then you can come visit us. But there is way to do it. I have seen it from childhood. When Sadhus and Saints come home, it is Diwali and Dusshera. Our home has always been visited by Sadhus and saints irrespective of whether it is Dusshera or not. They used to come when Balasaheb was alive. They still come home," he added.

Thackeray said Shiv Sena's Hindutva is "Gadadhari", a reference to Lord Hanuman who carries mace, while the Hindutva of opponents is "Ghantadhari" (bell-ringing).

Amravati MP Navneet Rana and her MLA husband Ravi Rana were arrested on Saturday after they gave a call for the chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa outside Thackeray's private residence 'Matoshree' in Mumbai, which had triggered angry protests by Shiv Sainiks. The couple, now in jail, later withdrew their call, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mumbai for an event.

Police registered FIRs against them on charges of sedition and spreading enmity among other sections.

In a veiled attack, Thackeray questioned the contribution of the BJP towards Hindutva.

"Those who are teaching me Hindutva should ask themselves about their contribution to the cause of Hindutva. You were hiding in a rat hole when Babri (Masjid) was demolished (on December 6, 1992)", Thackeray said.

He said the decision on the construction of a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was not taken by your (BJP's) government but it was the Supreme Court that paved the way for the same.

"For the construction of the Ram temple you spread your hand in front of people," he said.

"Shiv Sena's Hindutva is 'Gadadhari' whereas your Hindutva is 'Ghantadhari'. What do you mean when you say Shiv Sena has abandoned Hindutva? Is Hindutva a 'dhotar' (a garment worn by men which is tied around the waist)?" Thackeray asked.

The Sena chief also said that he will address a public meeting soon to give a befitting reply to his detractors.