MLA flies in the face of Raj diktat

MUMBAI: Many of the party’s rank and file are not following what MNS chief Raj Thackeray preaches. Raj had lashed out at ruling Democratic Front (DF) ministers and legislators who went abroad on trips while the state was reeling under drought.
Defying his party chief orders, MNS legislator Ram Kadam has gone abroad on a private tour. Kadam was not even present for a function to mark the party’s seventh anniversary held in Mumbai on Saturday.Kadam’s visit has not gone down well with party workers. "I do not know Kadam’s whereabouts. I only know he is out of town," said a key MNS functionary.
"I only know that he (Kadam) should not have skipped the anniversary celebrations of the party," he added.
Kadam was not available for comment. However, party spokesperson Nitin Sardesai said Kadam had got Raj’s nod for the foreign trip. "Rajsaheb would be in better position to answer the queries on the issue," Sardesai said. Several other MNS functionaries have also flouted directives issued by their party chief. Earlier, Raj had instructed party workers not to wear gold ornaments or put up hoarding or banners on their birthdays. However, many MNS workers continue to wear gold rings, bracelets and chunky gold chains and put up hoardings.
According to a political observer, the slew of instructions issued by the MNS chief to his partymen was a sensible move. "Other political parties should learn from the MNS and insist on implementing similar measures in their organization," the observer said. "Merely issuing instructions will not work. Raj should take action against those who disobey his orders. If Raj takes action even in one case, it will be an example for others. I don’t think anyone in the MNS will dare to defy his order after that," he added.