Congress leader Narayan Rane accuses Shiv Sena, AIMIM of using communal card to split votes

MUMBAI: Senior Congress leader Narayan Rane accused the Shiv Sena and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen ( AIMIM) here today of playing communal politics to split secular votes.

Speaking at a public meeting to campaign for the Bandra East Assembly constituency by-election scheduled for April 11, Rane who is pitted against the Shiv Sena and the AIMIM said, "During the past 22 years, the Shiv Sena-BJP never provided even basic amenities to the people. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) hospital wards are closed. There is inadequate water and bad roads".

"An MLA should be aggressive. You need an MLA in the Assembly who speaks and not merely listens. I have been a public representative for 32 years and I know how to work and get things done for my constituency. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects are in a mess and people are suffering," Rane said.

"The AIMIM candidate cannot even speak and he has to import speakers from Hyderabad. The Shiv Sena candidate also does not speak. The Shiv Sena and the AIMIM are fighting on communal lines and AIMIM is fighting purely to help the Shiv Sena. AIMIM is the 'kaali maanzar' (black cat signifying bad omen) of the Shiv Sena-BJP," Rane said, much to the delight of a cheering crowd of voters.

"Once you elect me as your MLA, I will get a No Objection Certification from the Indian Railways since Teen Bunglow residents are staying on railway land. There were promises made for 'achche din' (good days) but no 'achche din' are visible," Rane said.

"I was president of the committee for Maratha reservations and also recommended a five per cent reservation for Muslims. I will also create a hawkers' zone at Teen Bungalow," Rane said.