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Trupti Desai's Dargah visit hits Shiv Sena hurdle

Party leader threatens to beat Desai with chappal at Haji Ali.

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena leader Haji Arafat Sheikh threatened Bhumata Brigade leader Trupti Desai to beat her with a chappal if she tries to enter Haji Ali Dargah on April 28. However, the party has distanced itself from the leader by terming his statement as ‘personal view’. Firm on her protest, Ms Desai said that she would go ahead with her visit without succumbing to any pressure.

In a statement issued by Sheikh, he has opposed Trupti Desai’s visit to Haji Ali Dargah saying it would hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community.

“Trupti Desai has said that she would enter the Haji Ali Dargah on April 28 which is having negative reaction from the Muslim community. If Ms Desai tries to enter into the Dargah then, she will be beaten with chappal,” Sheikh has said.

However, later speaking with media, he retracted the statement and said that it were the sentiments of Muslim women and not his personal opinion.

He has even alleged that Ms Desai is playing with people’s emotions to seek publicity and creating controversies.

“As per Muslim laws, women’s entry in the Dargah is prohibited. They can go upto certain point. Trupti Desai is unnecessarily creating the trouble and hurting sentiments of Muslims. She should stop this agitation and take up issues of social cause. We will not allow her to enter into the Dargah,” Sheikh said. Mr Sheikh is leader of Sena’s transport union. He was earlier with arch rival of Sena, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.

However, Shiv Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe supported the women activists and said that the party stand was always in their favour. On whether party would be taking action against Mr Sheikh, Ms Gorhe said it is upto Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to decide.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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