Shiv Sena equates Nayapadmasagarji Maharaj with Zakir Naik, says Jain Muni communalised Mira-Bhayander polls

Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday equated Jain Muni Nayapadmasagarji Maharaj with absconding Islamic televangelist Zakir Naik.

While calling Nayapadmasagarji Maharaj a 'goon', Raut accused the Jain monk of communalising the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) elections.

"We respect Jains, but this Muni speaks the language of violence," the Sena leader said.

Sena accused its ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of winning the MBMC polls with the help of "money and Muni".

Attacking its ally, the Shiv Sena MP said the BJP had used a Jain Muni to break the Sena vote bank among Jains and Gujaratis in the Mira Road-Bhayander twin townships in southwest Thane district in last Sunday's elections.

Reacting, BJP MP from Mumbai, Kirit Somaiya said "Our friendly party has taken the defeat in MBMC to heart and is unable to digest it."

Raut's ire stemmed from the outcome of the MBMC polls on Monday in which the BJP secured a stunning 61 seats, the Sena 22, Congress 10 and independents two in the 95-member house, while all other major national and state parties were totally wiped off.