Toon row: Shiv Sena in damage control mode

Says it never intended to hurt sentiments of Marathas; other parties label outfit ‘anti-Maratha’.

After stirring up a hornets’ nest by publishing the not-so-funny “silent Maratha protest” cartoon in party mouthpiece Saamana on Monday, the Shiv Sena is now in damage control mode. The Sena on Tuesday clarified that it never intended to hurt sentiments of the Maratha community. But other parties, including the BJP targeted the Shiv Sena, labelling it ‘anti-Maratha’.

A few district-level Shiv Sena functionaries have already quit, condemning Saamana’s “Muka Morcha” cartoon and rumours are rife about more MPs and MLAs ditching the party. “The Maratha community’s protest is not political but emotional. Shiv Sena is with them in the agitation. There is no question of hurting their sentiments,” said Sanjay Raut, executive editor of Saamana and Sena MP. He alleged that anti-social elements were maligning the Sena.

Saamana’s offices across the state received calls condemning the cartoon. Congress state president Ashok Chavan condemned the Sena for ridiculing the mammoth turnouts at the Maratha community marches. “Shiv Sena should openly apologise for insulting protesters including women,” Mr Chavan said. Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council and NCP leader Dhanajay Munde said, “The cartoon has insulted women and a case should be registered against Saamana.” BJP Mumbai unit president Ashish Shelar demanded that the Sena executive editor apologise for the cartoon.

With mounting pressure, Sena’s own Maratha leaders have found themselves in a fix. “The cartoon was not in good taste. It was done deliberately by the cartoonist despite knowing that the Sena has been supporting the agitation. Now we have to face the people,” said a Sena minister on the condition of anonymity.

When contacted, protesters from the Maratha community refused comment. “We are holding the protest in a democratic way. Many are trying to take credit for the protests and divide the community but it will not fall prey to such attempts,” said a protest organiser.