Against the backdrop of Shiv Sena threats to Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on Thursday warned the Sena outfits not to take law into their hands and offered to provide security to anyone who needed it.
"We are watchful and will take action
against those who try to take law into their hands," Chavan said when asked to comment on Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's threat to Shah Rukh that he could face consequences if he refused to apologise to the Sena for his remarks lamenting the exclusion of Pakistani cricketers in the IPL.
Chavan said all those who need protection under the circumstances would be provided with it by the government.
He condemned Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray for "touching a new low" in politics with their comments on Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi.
"Nowhere in Indian politics, such a low level of personal allegations is seen. I condemn their utterances," Chavan told reporters.
Replying to questions, Chavan said the current posturing of Shiv Sena and MNS was part of their "political agenda" as both the parties were bracing up for forthcoming civic elections in Mumbai.
"We are also alive to the problems faced by Marathi people and the government will act within the constitutional framework," he added.
Allaying apprehensions over security for Rahul Gandhi who is scheduled to visit Mumbai on Saturday, Chavan said the Congress leader had the cover of Special Protection Group (SPG) and the state police machinery would also do whatever is required.