MUMBAI, January 29: The lavish birthday bash of Thane Shiv Sena leader `Dharmaveer' Anand Dighe on Tuesday turned out to be sour experience for Mayor of Ulhasnagar, Ganesh Chaudhary, when the latter was today arrested by the Thane police for violation of the election code of conduct on Tuesday. Chaudhary was also accused of helping organise Dighe's birthday bash at Thane.According to Thane collector, Shrikant Singh, Chaudhary had not taken any permission for erecting pandals, hoisting party flags and using loudspeakers on the occasion.
While the grand arrangements made by Chaudhary allegedly amounted to serious violation of the election code of conduct and influcing the electorate by a brash display of power, charges against him were diluted by the police.
Chaudhary was arrested at 8 pm under the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Properties Act, 1995, following the orders of the collector, but released soon after on a bail. The Thane police refused to disclose further information.
Chaudharyhad made lavish arrangements for the day-long celebrations which included an oil painting exhibition, a tulabhara with panchamrut (mixture of ghee, milk, yogurt, honey and sugar), besides illuminating all roads from Tembhi Naka to the civil hospital.
About three publications dedicated to Dighe's social services were sold alongside the pavements with photographs, calenders, key-chains and rings bearing his picture.
Thousands of Shiv Sainiks from as far as Karjat, Dahanu, Kasara had thronged to Tembhi Naka at Thane to attend the colourful bash.
In political circles, the bash was seen as a show of strength by the leader, who is locked in a prolonged political battle with another Sena heavy-weight in the district, Ganesh Naik, who is also the Thane guardian minister.
Sources said, former Thane mayor Anant Tare was being propped up by the party leadership to cut Dighe to size.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
