White strip controversy in Mumbai escalates. Jain Muni Nileshchandra dares Thackeray to visit Muslim areas.
This entire issue is related to the 'white strip' made for Jain monks to walk on Mumbai's roads and the pigeon houses (kabutarkhanas) in Dadar. MNS has previously expressed its views on these matters.
Recently, in a meeting of MNS officials, Raj Thackeray targeted Jain Muni Nileshchandra. He made personal and sarcastic remarks about the Muni's conduct and his beard.
In a warning tone, Raj Thackeray had said that the Marathi community does not start any controversy. But if someone creates a dispute, the Marathi people will take to the streets to respond.
Following Raj Thackeray's statement, Jain Muni Nileshchandra has also adopted an aggressive stance. He responded to each of Thackeray's comments point by point and also issued a major challenge to him.
Responding to the comment on his beard, the Jain Muni said,
"A beard only befits a lion, and I am proud to have been born in a Marathi family. I am a Sanatani and will continue to fight for Sanatan Dharma."
He also added that he would not back down if he had to make a sacrifice for the protection of his religion and society.
Retaliating against Raj Thackeray, the Jain Muni said, "This controversy is just for vote-bank politics. The whole of Maharashtra knows your strength."
He challenged Thackeray, saying, "If you have strength in your wrists, then go and show it in the Muslim-majority areas of Mumbra, Kalyan, and Bhiwandi."
Raj Thackeray had advised the Muni to stay away from politics. To this, Nileshchandra replied that he cannot remain silent when politics starts working against religion and society.
He alleged that leaders are raising this issue for their political gain and it has been deliberately given a political color.
This dispute is no longer limited to the white strip or pigeon houses. It signals a new confrontation in Maharashtra's politics, where religious identity and political ambitions are clashing.
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