The Shiv Sena has dismissed two office-bearers from its Thane unit after a video surfaced showing people dancing and showering currency notes in front of a portrait of the late Anand Dighe, mentor to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The incident occurred on September 12 during the Ganesh festival. The video, which went viral on social media, showed local party activists celebrating in front of Dighe’s portrait at Anand Ashram, his former base for running the Thane unit of the Shiv Sena.
Both Chief Minister Shinde and Thane Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske condemned the incident, describing it as "highly unpleasant" and inconsistent with the respectful way in which Dighe was honoured during such occasions.
Following the controversy, Mhaske issued an order on Saturday night dismissing the two party office-bearers involved. Their specific posts were not mentioned in the order. The Shiv Sena has emphasised the need for appropriate conduct during celebrations.