Shiv Sena attacks BJP ideologue Sudheendra Kulkarni ahead of Kasuri's book launch

The party workers of Shiv Sena today attacked Sudheendra Kulkarni, Chairman of Observer and Research Foundation (ORF) and also organiser of a book launch event, written by former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri.

The agitated workers threw black ink at him for daring to organise the event despite their warning of cancelling the event.

Commenting on the issue Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena said, "Ink attack on Kulkarni is a mild reaction from Sena, this is not ink but the blood of our soldiers."

Meeting with Uddhav Thackeray futile

Kulkarni had even met Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence Matoshree, however the meeting went futile.

Kulkarni had on 11 October said, "I have requested Uddhav Thackeray that Shiv Sena should not oppose the book launch event. I also told him that the event will proceed despite Sena's threat."

Recently, Pakistan ghazal singer Ghulam Ali's concerts were called off in Mumbai and Pune, after the Sena had warned the organisers of dire consequences if the events of the Ghazal maestro were organised.

The Sena, shares power with the BJP in Maharashtra, has written to the director of Worli's Nehru Centre, the launch venue, to cancel the show because of the Pakistan connection.

Maharashtra's home department, headed by BJP chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, has assured the organisers of full security cover.

Kasuri is scheduled to attend the launch of his book 'Neither a Hawk nor a Dove: An Insider's Account of Pakistan's Foreign Policy' at 5.30 PM in Worli area.

"Our event will go on as planned. We have been assured full security and assistance by the police," Kulkarni said.

(with inputs from PTI)