Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, on Sunday, demanded a ban on the Samajwadi Party (SP) saying that it posed a danger to the integrity of the nation.

"It is no secret that the SP has always opposed a ban on Simi in the past. Incidentally, the individuals arrested recently by the police for terror strikes in several parts of the country, were found to be Simi activists," he said.

The statement comes at a time when several political organisations, including the SP, have joined hands to demand a ban on right wing outfits - the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal. They have also extended their demand for ban on the Shiv Sena and MNS.

Thackeray said, "The government should ban SP as it is promoting activities that threaten the integrity of the country." However, neither the state nor the Centre will endorse such a step, especially at a time when the UPA government enjoys the support of SP lead by Mulayam Singh Yadav, sources said.

Samajwadi party state president, Abu Azmi, has retaliated by saying, "It is the BJP and the Sena, which are a greater threat to the country. They divided the nation by taking the extreme step of demolishing Babri Masjid in 1992."

Deputy chief minister RR Patil also spoke in favour of a ban on such organisations.
Source : DNA