‘Sena’ vandalises Maharashtra Sadan

The Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi was attacked by activists of the Rashtravadi Shiv Sena, protesting attacks against north Indians in Maharashtra. HT reports.

The Maharashtra Sadan — the state government’s liaison centre and guesthouse in Delhi — was attacked on Monday by activists of the Rashtravadi Shiv Sena, protesting attacks against north Indians in Maharashtra.

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Formed by Shiv Sena dissidents, the Rashtravadi Shiv Sena is headed by Jai Bhagwan Goyal, former head of the north India unit of Shiv Sena.

“This is just a trailer for Mahrashstra leaders trying to divide the country on the basis of language and regionalism,” said Goyal. “This country is one, we speak a lot of languages. Will Raj Thackeray decide what languages we speak and where we work?”

“I left Shiv Sena in March after they started attacking north Indians and making provocative statements about festivals like chhath,” he said.

"I was with Shiv Sena till the time they spoke of nationalism. I left it the day they went against it," Goyal said.
Around 25 people entered the Maharashtra Sadan at about 12.30 pm demanding immediate arrest of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray and raising slogans such as ‘Marathis Go Back’. Before leaving, the men broke flowerpots, smashed glass doors and windowpanes of the Sadan’s reception.

The police have arrested three activists of the Rashtravadi Shiv Sena besides impounding a vehicle. A case of rioting has been registered. The security around the building has also been beefed up.

“A group of around 25 burly men entered the building in small groups of 3-4 men. When stopped by the security guards, they managed to fool them by saying they had some work inside,” said a top official of the Sadan, on condition of anonymity.

Sadan Resident Commissioner Apurva Chandra has apprised Maharashtra CM Vilasrao Deshmukh and Deputy Chief Minister RR Patil about the incident besides lodging a complaint with police.

“The Home Ministry has been informed and the issue have been taken up with the highest authorities,” the official said. “Some policemen were posted here during the Diwali season for about six days but were recently removed. Though we have our own security personnel, about seven policemen have also been deployed following the incident,” he said.