MNS workers vandalise Congress’ Mumbai office, Nirupam promises ‘befitting reply’

A group of MNS workers allegedly vandalised the office of Mumbai Regional Congress Committee at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Friday morning.

Three of them have reportedly been arrested and are being held at Azad Maidan police station currently.

According to a party official, the incident took place around 8 am today while cleaning work was underway.

Around 6-8 MNS workers barged into the premises with sticks and destroyed glass cabins, fittings and furniture in the office before leaving.

Mumbai police were informed about the episode immediately, following which a team of officials and senior Congress leaders arrived on the spot.

Although no individual was hurt in the process, the office was left in a complete disarray.

Maharashtra Congress condemned the attack, dubbing it a failure of democracy.

“We condemn the attack on Mumbai Regional Congress office. Such cowardly acts should be dealt with the strongest action. The government is failing badly in ensuring the security of our citizens. Long live Democracy!,” it tweeted.

MNS claimed responsibility of the attack, with its spokesperson Sandeep Deshpande terming it a ‘surgical strike’.

Incidentally, a few MNS workers had got injured earlier this week during a scuffle with local shop owners, following which party chief Raj Thackeray had ordered office bearers to ensure they “beat and don’t get beaten up”.

In response to MNS’ vandalizing act, Congress Mumbai President Sanjay Nirupam asked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take prompt action or be prepared to see the party’s befitting reply.

The two parties have been at loggerheads since the last few weeks over the issue of illegal hawkers.