Thanks to forthcoming elections, Pune youth can celebrate V-Day

With elections around the corner, Shiv Sena doesn't want to lose out on young voters and hence, the party won't protest against the celebration of Valentine's Day in the city

Unlike Sri Ram Sene, which has warned lovebirds in Bangalore to refrain from public display of affection on Valentine's Day, the Shiv Sena is playing safe this year.

Keeping the forthcoming assembly elections in mind, the party doesn't want to lose young voters and hence they won't be protesting against V-Day celebrations.

Ajay Shinde, leader of the Bhartiya Vidyarthi Sena (BVS), the student wing of the Shiv Sena, said, "Since last two years, Puneities aren't celebrating this day publicly. And it's not because of our protests.

People themselves have realised that it is not a part of our culture." Besides, Shinde added thatu00a0 Sena isn't against love but with celebrating Valentine's Day.

It may be recalled that BVS activists protested outside prominent city colleges last year. Also, several activists were taken into custody by the cops deputed outside colleges.

Sheetal, a software professional, said, "Stopping people from celebrating V-Day and pelting stones on gift shops won't deter us from celebrating the day of love."

Retorting against the organisitions that are opposing Valentine's Day celebrations, Gauri Moghe, a media professional, said, "Expression of love is a personal affair and nobody has the right to dictate terms to anyone."
Smita Sardesai, a PR consultant, on a cautionary note, added, "There's nothing bad in celebrating V-Day. However, going overboard by displaying love in public is indecent and can be avoided."