Arrest Drama in Maharashtra

The latest political feud in Maharashtra is just one example of the dangers of forgetting the necessary political decency and sense of propriety. The Shiv Sena and the BJP, which have been at loggerheads since the break-up, have not missed an opportunity to fight openly in the streets. During his Independence Day address, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray asked a colleague on the side-lines about the Independence Day anniversary. During the public relations drive, the Union Minister not only mocked the Chief Minister's ignorance but also said that if he had been on stage, he would have slapped him. That reference turned a big problem.

A case has been registered against Union Minister Rane under various sections for publicly saying that he would slap the Chief Minister. He was arrested by a police team led by the SP while he was having lunch. Normally a case could be filed and the station could be released on bail. But instead of doing so, he was detained all day and released at night by a court. Excessive abuse of power can be seen throughout this incident. If the law book is searched for a reference made during the speech, there will be sections to file a case. But there is no justification for arresting a Union Minister and keeping him in custody for hours as if he were a notorious criminal. It is clear that this is not the way to settle political feuds.
Moreover, the Maharashtra government must have kept in mind the consequences of arresting a prominent leader like Rane for a mere offensive comment. The case was registered on the ground that Rane's remarks against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray were tantamount to disturbing the peace. At the same time, no one in charge remembered the fact that such an arrest could lead to large-scale clashes and clashes between activists of both parties. Let us not forget that the descendants of those who once took the law into their own hands by claiming that what they say and do is the law are now in power. Union Minister Rane, who was caught red-handed in the case, was not only a part of the Shiv Sena but also a former Chief Minister. So this arrest and the case are not a big deal for him.

This is not the problem. It must be remembered how much such measures taken without reconsideration pose a threat to the atmosphere of peace and the general public. This is evidenced by the clashes and clashes between BJP and Shiv Sena activists in various parts of the country following Rane's arrest. If it spreads to cities including Mumbai, the risk will be huge. Don't let that happen.