14 February,2009 11:31 AM IST | | PTI
Stating that it was not opposed to love but to its commercial exploitation, Shiv Sena has left scope for its workers to target today's Valentine's Day celebrations, especially at outlets selling cards and gifts.
"Whatever will happen will be a spontaneous reaction from Sena workers, especially those belonging to the party's student wing," a Sena leader said this morning.
"The shop owners have been calling up party functionaries, wanting to know our plans as the Sena has for long been protesting the celebrations."
"Our people understand view of Sena chief Bal Thackeray and party executive president Uddhav Thackeray on the issue and would act accordingly," the Sena leader said.
Senior Sena leader Manohar Joshi has said workers would stop Valentine's Day celebrations in keeping with the party's policy.
"The day is against Indian culture and tradition. We were opposed to it in the past and there is no change in the party's stand on the issue," the former CM added.
A local party functionary said Valentine's Day festivities would pass off peacefully as shopping malls and departmental stores impose 'self-regulation' following the Sena diktat.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have said whoever takes the law in their hands will be dealt with strictly.
"Everybody has the right to freedom of expression and whoever takes the law in their hands will be dealt with strictly," Police Commissioner Hasan Gafoor said.
"Those who want to protest against anything can express themselves in a peaceful manner," he said.
