The Hindu : National : Sainiks, Rane aides clash over unions

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Sunday, Oct 02, 2005

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National

Sainiks, Rane aides clash over unions

Special Correspondent

The Minister has floated the MSKS allegedly to break Sena unions

BOMBAY: Clashes have erupted between the Shiv Sena and its former leader and Maharashtra Revenue Minister Narayan Rane, who is allegedly trying to take away members of the party unions.

The Bharatiya Kamgar Sena (BKS), Shiv Sena's labour wing, is strong in the hotel and aviation industry and is considered an important source of money and muscle power. Mr. Rane has floated the Maharashtra Samarth Kamgar Sangatana (MSKS), allegedly to break the Sena-controlled unions.

BKS and MSKS members are on a confrontation course in at least three hotels and an air cargo company. Both have claimed the support of a majority of workers and the MSKS is preparing to claim recognition. The Sena has accused the Minister of intimidating its member-workers.

Srikant Sarmalkar, former MLA and Mr. Rane's staunch supporter, and six others were arrested here on Friday after his supporters allegedly attacked a Sena office and a petrol pump, and clashed with Sainiks. This happened after stones were thrown at their vehicle. They have been remanded to police custody till October 4. They were on their way to a five-star hotel in South Mumbai to initiate a signature campaign in favour of the MSKS. The clashes are not confined to labour unions. Shiv Sena activists on Friday bashed up a municipal councillor of Nanded town and Rane supporter, Sudhakar Pandhare, in the civic body office.

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