Shiv Sena workers force Manohar Joshi to leave Dussehra rally

Angry Shiv Sena workers on Sunday shouted slogans against senior party leader Manohar Joshi and forced him to leave the venue of Sena's annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.

Joshi had indirectly criticised party president Uddhav Thackeray's leadership style, by contrasting it with the aggressive style of Bal Thackeray, two days ago. He later met Uddhav apparently in a damage control bid.

The Sena is holding its first Dussehra rally after Bal Thackeray's death last November.

Joshi arrived on the dais late and faced with hostile slogans from the workers, he chose to leave.

When the reporters caught up with him outside ShivajiPark, he denied that the cadres opposed his presence, and said he was never angry with the cadres in the past, nor was he now.

"No need to pit me against them," he said before hurrying off.

Image: Manohar Joshi leaving the Shiv Sena's Dussehra Rally.

Photograph: Sahil Salvi