Maharashtra CM's warning as row over Hanuman Chalisa continues

Breaking his silence on the Hanuman Chalisa row that has seen a lawmaker couple being booked for sedition and BJP raising the Hindutva pitch, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday said reciting the Chalisa at his home is not a problem but 'dadagiri' won't be tolerated.

The Shiv Sena chief said that anyone is welcome to recite the Hanuman Chalisa at his home but there is a certain way to go about it and people can't resort to bullying.

Thackeray was referring to the political controversy that broke out following arrest of independent MP Navneet Rana and her MLA husband Ravi Rana for saying they would chant the Hanuman Chalisa outside the Maharashtra CM's residence. The couple has now been charged with sedition.

Also watch: Hanuman Chalisa row: sedition charges against MP Navneet Rana & husband, sent to jail

Uddhav Thackeray also lashed out at the BJP for questioning Shiv Sena's Hindutva.

"Shiv Sena's Hindutva is 'Gadadhari' whereas your Hindutva is 'Ghantadhari'. What do you mean when you say Shiv Sena has abandoned Hindutva? Is Hindutva a 'dhotar' (a garment worn by men which is tied around the waist)?" Thackeray asked.