Mumbai violence: Raj Thackeray demands Patil’s resignation

Mumbai  :  After the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena Friday joined the clamour for the resignations of Home Minister R.R. Patil and city police commissioner for their alleged failure to control the Aug 11 Mumbai violence.

“We shall take out a procession to Girgaum Chowpatty demanding the resignations of both Patil and (Police Commissioner) Arup Patnaik, as they have completely failed to foresee and control the violence,” Thackeray told the mediapersons here.

He also dismissed speculation pointing at ‘intelligence failure’ over the Aug 11 violence following a 25,000 strong procession by Muslim groups to protest killings in Assam and Myanmar.

“In fact, the police had specific information about the presence of notorious anti-social elements who had pre-planned the violence and had reached the venue with arms. A majority of them were outsiders. Why have the police not yet taken proper action against them,” Thackeray asked.

Questioning Patil’s credentials for running the home department, Thackeray urged Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to take over the crucial portfolio.

“He had once said he was a ruffian in politics, now (take over the home ministry) prove it,” Thackeray challenged Pawar.

The MNS chief expressed concern over the Aug 11 incidents saying that if the police personnel themselves were not safe in this city, then where would the common people go, referring to the attacks on 45 male and female police personnel during the violence.