By Admin 
After the controversial statement made by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, there has been a fierce battle in Gujarat politics. Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Patidar community have strongly condemned this statement. There has been a demand for filing an FIR against Thackeray and banning entry into Gujarat.
While addressing a rally in Thane district on Friday, Thackeray said that when the migrants of Bihar were driven away from Gujarat, it did not become a national issue. He described Sardar Patel and Morarji Desai as “Anti-Marathi”, which caused resentment in the political and social circles of Gujarat.
Congress said ‘insulted Gujarat’
Gujarat Congress President Amit Chavda reacted sharply saying, “Commenting on Sardar Saheb is like throwing dust in front of the sun. If you do politics on the land of Gujarat, you will also get an answer.” Describing Thackeray’s statements as condemnable, he said that this is an insult to Gujarat and his legacy.
AAP lodged objection, demand for FIR
AAP state president Isudan Gadhvi also took a dig at Thackeray. He said that Thackeray is insulting not only Gujaratis but the hero Sardar Patel of the entire country. Garhvi demanded Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and BJP state president CR Patil to register an FIR against Thackeray.
He said, “Sardar Patel created an India by adding 565 princely states. By insulting them, no leader can be called a patriot.”
Patidar leader also angry
Patidar leader Manoj Panara submitted a written petition to the police in Morbi demanding a sedition case on Thackeray and banning his entry into Gujarat. He said, “We will not tolerate the comments made on Sardar Patel and Morarji Desai. This is not just a political statement but an insult to the national pride.”
Sardar Patel Group President Lalji Patel and Patidar Yuva Sangh leader Alpesh Kathiria also targeted Thackeray and said that he had no right to insult national symbols. Lalji Patel alleged that Thackeray has always been doing politics with anti-Gujarat mentality and he can never become a national leader with this attitude.