Have made big contribution to growth of Shiv Sena: Narayan Rane

Narayan Rane. File Pic

Union Minister Narayan Rane, who was arrested by the Maharashtra Police over his "would have slapped" remark against chief minister Uddhav Thackeray has been granted bail by the Raigad magistrate on Tuesday.

However, the magistrate has asked him to appear before the Mahad Crime Branch on August 30 and September 13.

Rane has said he did not commit a crime.

Also Read: Narayan Rane claims Uddhav Thackeray used ‘unpalatable' words for Shah, Yogi

Meanwhile, the Union Minister held a press conference after his bail as Shiv Sena continues to file FIRs against him in several parts of the state.

Highlights from the press conference:

• Rane to begin his Jan Ashirwad Yatra from August 27
• ‘I am not afraid of anyone.'
• ‘No one can do anything to me. I have weathered attempts to checkmate me politically. Those who want to protest, let them do that.'
• ‘I have made a big contribution to the growth of Shiv Sena.'
• ‘I won't allow West Bengal environment to be created in Maharashtra.'

Speaking about his "slap" remark against Maharashtra Chief Minister, Rane further asserted that he has "not said anything wrong". "But, if Devendra Fadvanis says it is wrong, then I will accept it, as he is our 'margdarshak' (guide)," Rane said. Rane also slammed Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. "There were many incidents in the past where Maharashtra Chief Minister has given controversial statements against the BJP leaders like MLC Prasad Lad, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and even against Amit Shah. The language used by Chief Minister was not in right but nothing happens to him," Rane said.

The Maharashtra government told the Bombay High Court on Wednesday that it would not take any coercive action against Union Minister Narayan Rane in the FIR lodged in Nashik over his controversial remarks against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

As per news agency PTI, Raigad Court judge while granting him bail had said, "Considering the reason for arrest and other reasons, I found that the arrest is justified."

(With agency inputs)