Raj Thackeray comes out in support of cartoonist Trivedi

Mumbai  :  Supporting jailed cartoonist Aseem Trivedi, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray Tuesday demanded that he be set free and the sedition charges against him be dropped.

A cartoonist himself, Raj Thackeray noted that Trivedi is just expressing his anger and contempt through his cartoons and that there was no other motive.

“What is wrong in expressing anger through cartoons. I saw those cartoons. I don’t think there is anything wrong with them,” he told media persons here.

Thackeray also questioned why the execution of convicted terrorists Afzal Guru and Ajmal Kasab had not been carried out while a mere cartoonist faced sedition charges.

“Why was Trivedi arrested and cases filed against him? Those who committed treason are free and one who just drew a cartoon was jailed,” Thackeray said.

“Afzal Guru and Kasab have not even been hanged. Is this not a mockery,” he asked.

Renewing his attack on Maharashtra Home Minister R.R. Patil, Thackeray reiterated that he is not capable of handling the ministry.

“R.R. Patil does not understand the home department. How can he be expected to understand cartoons,” he said.

Thackeray had called the press conference to clarify why he felicitated controversial developer Niranjani Hirandani who is facing several allegations for land grabbing.

“I was part of a function organised by Marathi International Film and Theater Awards (MIFTA) committee. I was felicitating several organisers and others at the event. It was then announced that Hiranandani was also present at the event and the hall that the ceremony was taking place in was built by him. I was asked to hand over a bouquet to him. That is all,” he said.