Shiv Sena's protest brought disrepute to state: Fadnavis on book controversy

Mumbai, Oct 12: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today disapproved of Shiv Sena's protests against the launch of former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri's book here saying the issue has brought disrepute to the state.

"We may not agree with views of somebody, but when a foreign dignitary or a diplomat arrives on a valid visa and holds a programme, which is not illegal, it's the duty of a state to provide protection," Fadnavis said while reacting to Shiv Sena's protests.

The Chief Minister said there could have been better ways to put forth the point of view by Shiv Sena. "We cannot endorse Mr Kasuri, but can't let our state turn into banana republic. The rule of law has prevailed.

I think the way things have happened has brought a bad name to our state. There could have been better ways to put forth a point of view," he added. Despite Shiv Sena's protests and blackening of the face of Sudheendra Kulkarni by some of its supporters, the organisers went ahead with the launch of Kasuri's book 'Neither a Hawk nor a Dove: An Insider's Account of Pakistan's Foreign Policy' at a function here.

PTI