2 Shiv Sena factions clash over alleged money distribution

Mumbai: As the election fever in Maharashtra has reached its peak, supporters of two rival groups of Shiv Sena clashed with each other on late Tuesday night at Jogeshwari in Mumbai over the allegations of distribution of money. While Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that the Matoshree Club on Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road, controlled by Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Waikar, was being used to distribute money, Waikar refuted the allegations saying that his women supporters were assaulted by intoxicated Sena UBT workers, who were also indulged in stone-pelting and abusing.

Mr. Waikar, who was considered to be close to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, had joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena before the Lok Sabha elections this year and was later also elected from the Mumbai North-West constituency as a MP. His wife Manisha is standing as a Shinde Shiv Sena candidate from Jogeshwari East, whilst the Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Anant Nar.

Incidents of both groups clashing with each other at Jogeshwari went viral on social media on Wednesday. According to sources, as rumours spread in Jogeshwari about Mr. Waikar’s activists distributing money at Matoshri Club, Thackeray group activists led by Mr. Nar went there to protest. Activists of both groups clashed with each other, which led to a tense situation in the area. But the police intervened and brought the situation under control.

Mr. Waikar alleged that his women activists were attacked and molested by the Sena UBT workers, who were intoxicated. He also alleged that a Shiv Sena (UBT) member, Amit Pednekar, had threatened to “cut my tongue” if he criticised them.

“If Shiv Sena (UBT) had any complaints about us, they should have filed a complaint at the police and Election Commission. Instead, they resorted to violence and hooliganism,” said Mr. Waikar.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab alleged that Matoshri Club was being used to distribute money. “We complained but no action was taken. When our members went to question them last night, Shiv Sena supporters responded by throwing stones and sticks,” he said.

According to police, three cases have been filed in this case, which include unlawful assembly and assault on women.

Mr. Parab also alleged that there were attempts to buy votes in the Worli constituency, where Aaditya Thackeray is the candidate of Shiv Sena (UBT) against Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena’s Milind Deora. “In Worli constituency, there is an organisation named ‘Stree Shakti Kendra. They distributed gifts in the name of haldi kumkum. Neelam Gohe, who is holding a constitutional post of Deputy Chairperson of Legislative Council, attended the event. When there is a code of conduct, generally no one holding a constitutional post goes for election campaigning. In the event, they announced that people will be given coupons, and that people will be getting a call later where they will be told about a place to collect their gifts. This is a clear violation of the model code of conduct,” Mr. Parab said.