Ahmednagar: MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s recent comments about the powerful Pawars of the Nationalist Congress Party sparked street fights in several parts of Maharashtra between workers of the two parties last evening.

The NCP, headed by Sharad Pawar, rules Maharshtra in partnership with the Congress. It has accused Raj Thackeray of making unparliamentary remarks about its leaders at recent rallies in drought-hit areas of the state. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena or MNS chief has criticised both Sharad Pawar and his nephew, the state’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who he has blamed for the acute drought.

Last evening, suspected NCP workers threw stones at Mr Thackeray’s convoy in Ahmednagar. MNS workers retaliated and the clashes spread to other parts of the state.

In Pune, MNS workers stoned the NCP office and tried to burn an office board. The police had to use canes to control the fight that ensued. There is heavy police deployment in the city.

In Thane near Mumbai, MNS supporters burnt effigies of NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar. In Mumbai, Mr Thackeray’s workers tore down Ajit Pawar’s posters.

Both parties blame the other. The NCP’s Nawan Malik said party workers were angered by Mr Thackeray’s remarks about their leaders.

Five people have been injured in the street fights, but there have been no arrests.

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