Mumbai (Maharashtra): BJP leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday hit out at the ruling Shiv Sena-led government in the state over the demolition of "illegal alterations" at Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut's bungalow, saying it was an act of cowardice.
In a video message, Fadnavis said that it was the first time that a government was threatening critics in such a manner.
"The government threatening those raising their voice against them is happening for the first time in the history of Maharashtra," he said.
"You must call what is wrong, wrong. But how those words were insulting towards Maharashtra and its police, the way the government is acting, is bringing the same amount of insult to Maharashtra," he added, in a veiled reference to Ranaut's comments.
Fadnavis further added that if indeed there was illegal construction at the actress' bungalow, the government must not shy away from taking action, but must do the same for all such cases.
"If you are acting against someone just because they raised a voice against you, then it is cowardice and an act of revenge. Such actions will find no respect in Maharashtra," he said.
Read: BMC demolishes alterations at Kangana Ranaut's Mumbai office
Earlier in the day, the Shiv Sena-controlled Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) started demolishing "illegal alterations" at Kangana Ranaut's Bandra bungalow.
However, the Bombay High Court stayed the demolition process and sought to know how the civic body entered the property when the owner was not present.
