Thursday, November 17 2005 14:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Oras: Congress nominee and Revenue Minister Narayan Rane, was 'misusing' his ministerial post and power to exert pressure on district and police administrative machinery, alleged Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray here today (Nov 17, 2005).

Speaking to reporters, Thackery said, "We will approach the Chief Election Commissioner to ensure that a person, who is contesting the by-election, does not remain as a minister."

To a query on the 'docile' behaviour of Sena workers as against its earlier 'agressive' attitude, during Malwan campaign, he said, "We will never adopt the Gandhian way. We have not adopted the Gandhian approach."

On the absence of Sena leader Raj Thackeray, his nephew, at yesterday's public meeting at Malwan and at today's press conference, he said, Raj could not make it due to his back problem. "I myself asked him not to come. He is suffering from severe back problem as he had been driving continuously from Mumbai to Malwan," he said.

"He was supposed to come today but I asked him not to."

Asked if he thought polling process during by-poll on November 19 in Malwan would be peaceful, Thackeray said, "If the police behave properly, polling would be peaceful."

He said Rane's exit from Sena would have no adverse impact on the party in Konkan region.