Trupti Desai unfazed by Shiv Sena leader's `slippers threat`, says will enter Haji Ali Dargah on April 28

Pune: Bhumata Ranragini Brigade chief Trupti Desai on Saturday said that she would go to Haji Ali Dargah on April 28 despite a threat issued by Shiv Sena leader Haji Arafat Shaikh.

Haji Arafat Shaikh, who joined Shiv Sena after leaving Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in 2014, has said that if Trupti Desai tries to enter Haji Ali Dargah, she would be welcomed with ‘prasad’ of slippers, reported ABP news.

Responding to the `threat`, Desai said: “This kind of threat is wrong. Everyone has the right to protest in a democracy. He has insulted women.”

Desai told news agency ANI: "Our group would be going to Haji Ali Dargah on April 28. The threats from the Shiv Sena won`t work."

She further asked the Shiv Sena to clear its stand, adding that if the political party differs in views with Haji Arafat, it should sack him.

Earlier, Haji Arafat told ANI: "Islam does not allow women to touch the mazar-e-sharif in a dargah. We strongly condemn what Trupti Desai is saying. We won't allow her to enter the inner sanctum of the Hazi Ali Dargah. I will be the voice of my religion and will not allow her to touch the mazar-e-sharif".

On April 20, 'Haji Ali For All' forum was launched by Brigade president Trupti Desai along with several activists, NGOs and social groups to fight for women's entry to the shrine -- nearly six centuries old and nestling amid the rocks in the Arabian Sea off the Worli shoreline.