State of politics in India - Verbal tussle

State Revenue Minister Narayan Rane vowed to hit back at Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray for verbally abusing him at the Sena meet at Shanmukhananda Hall, King’s Circle, yesterday.

Rane, who recently quit the Sena, said he would ‘return the compliments.’ “I am not in Mumbai, but I have accepted the challenge and I shall answer him. Just wait for a couple of days!” he said.

We will be waiting for your comeback, Mr Rane.

While addressing Sainiks from Rane’s Sindhudurg district, Thackeray used what he proudly calls, Thackeri (street-language that is generally below the belt) and called Rane a variety of names.

These included: bhadwa (pimp), dedhfutya (referring to his short stature), vasoolmantri (extortion minister), phurse (poisonous snake) and a mad dog.

But there was more as the Sena backbenchers hooted through all this name-calling. Thackeray then said Rane couldn’t have children as he hadn’t got an erection in 10 years.

He also went on to declare Rane’s assets, which Thackeray insisted, were amassed after he became corporator, MLA, minister, chief minister and Leader of Opposition.

Over the phone, Rane said he did not want to use similar language, but promised that he would certainly answer Thackeray.

“As regards estate details, I have been filing my income tax returns regularly, and they were also mentioned in my election affidavits. Is the Sena trying to provoke me into publishing their details? If that’s the case, I will do it, in the book I am writing a book on Uddhav and his men.”

Via Mid-Day.com