Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena cadre will not harass 'lovebirds' this Valentine's Day

New Delhi: In a sort of relief to the youth planning to celebrate Valentine's Day with fuss and fanfare, Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena have decided to keep the 'moral policing' at bay this year.

The two outfits have given clear instructions to their supporters not to harass the lovebirds or else strict action would be taken against them.

“National head of Shiv Sena’s youth wing, Aditya Thackeray, has issued strict directions to not misbehave with any boy or girl on Valentine’s Day. He does not want assault or misbehaviour with youths. Shiv Sena is against western culture and we have communicated our message during past years. We are not going to assault any couple. If any worker will misbehave or assault any couple, he will be expelled from the party,” Shiv Sena's UP head Anil Singh was quoted as saying by Indian Express.

Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal’s convener for UP and Uttarakhand, Surendra Mishra, told Indian Express that the “acts that couples indulge in” on roads and at public places on Valentine’s Day is “similar to nature of animals” and it's futile to meddle with them.

“It has been decided at the top level of the organisation that our workers will not disturb any couple any more,” he added.

Till last year, the supporters of Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena were assaulting the youth found at public places on Valentine's Day. The activists also ransacked the shops which were found selling Valentine's Day greeting cards and flowers.  

However, it is not yet clear whether the decision was taken keeping in view the upcoming UP Assembly elections.