PUNE: Responding to an FIR filed against him for allegedly removing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photograph from a government polytechnic institute in Pune, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Amit Thackeray defended his actions, linking the issue to his respect for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.“The first case registered against me was regarding an incident connected to Shivaji Maharaj. If a second case is also filed for the same reason, I will be happy about it,” Amit, son of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, told reporters.Chatushrungi police on Monday evening registered a case against Amit Thackeray and 20-25 others for allegedly removing PM Modi’s photograph from the Government Polytechnic institute. The case was registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to criminal trespass, unlawful assembly and other relevant offences.The controversy erupted during Amit Thackeray’s visit to educational institutions in Pune as part of a student outreach programme. According to a student present at the institute, some of his supporters noticed that PM Modi’s photograph had been placed next to a portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.Amit reportedly objected to the placement and asked for the photograph to be removed. MNS workers allegedly subsequently took down the PM’s photograph, triggering sharp criticism from the BJP. The photograph was later put back at the institute following the uproar.Pune Municipal Corporation Leader of the House Ganesh Bidkar termed the act “politically immature”, saying photographs of the President and Prime Minister are displayed at government establishments as part of official protocol.“The Prime Minister represents the nation, not a political party. Those responsible for removing the photograph should have been aware of this,” Bidkar said.
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