NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad comment triggers sharp reactions in his homeground

THANE: The comments made by NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad on Lord Ram continued to stir the mood in his home ground of Thane with NGOs and political parties condemning his statement and staging protests.

The BJP has sought a response from UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP chief Sharad Pawar if they subscribe to the opinion shared by NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad on Lord Rama. Party functionary and MLC Niranjan Davkhare said Awhad has always been known for his irresponsible comments and his latest comment has put his party boss and allies in a spot.

Meanwhile, activists from the BJP women's wing staged a protest outside Awhad's bungalow in Thane following which they were detained by the Thane police. The Sakal Hindu samaj also condemned the statement and as part of their protest, they approached the regional mental health hospital with an application to admit the legislator claiming he had lost his mental balance.

The Shiv Sena led by chief minister Eknath Shinde sought why UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray was silent on the issue and questioned if the silence was due to the possibility of Awhad switching loyalties to Matoshree in the near future.

NCP Ajit Pawar faction functionary and former MP Anand Paranjape threatened to stage a protest if a case wasn't registered against Awhad for his statements.