Shiv Sena hotheads' attack on Mr Sudheendra Kulkarni, whose think-tank had organised the Mumbai launch of former Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri's book, must be condemned in the strongest terms. Since Mr Kasuri is visiting the country with a valid Indian visa, it is expected that he receives normal courtesies. To attack the organiser of his event is utterly despicable. India is a democratic country where dissenting voices are routine. Yes, anti-India propaganda by a foreign visitor may not be welcome, but to take the law in one's hands not only severely damages the image of India as a democracy but goes against our basic ethos and values.
The BJP must tell its old ally that such conduct by hardliners in undesirable and unacceptable. Of late, the Shiv Sena leadership has been quite insulting and provocative towards its partner, the BJP. The Sena’s acts are impinging on the senior ally's image. How long will the BJP tolerate thisIJ