Banner by Ex-Mumbai Mayor Up Again Hours After Alleged Vandalism by Raj Thackeray's Party Workers

Hours after political activists, allegedly from Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena or MNS, vandalised the office of  former city Sheriff Nana Chudasama for an 'anti-marathi' banner, his staff has put it back at its original location in Marine Drive, Mumbai.

In an apparent reference to the state government's controversial move of mandatory screening of Marathi films during prime time slots in multiplexes, Mr Chudasama had written a banner which read, "Promoting Marathi Welcomed. Diktats Not Welcome."

Mr Chudasama's daughter and BJP Spokesperson Shaina NC told NDTV, "We have put the banner back. It is an example for Mumbaikar's that they can air their views."

She further told NDTV that attacking her father's office is an act of cowardice and rubbished the 'anti marathi' claims of the attackers. Mr Chudasama, 84, has been writing banners for the last 50 years.

"In a democracy you can have a debate with me but you cannot enter the premise and vandalize it," said the BJP leader.

"They broke the coffee table, and some show pieces, threw down the telephone and broke it. Broke the pots and threw them over the balcony. Pulled down the banner and burnt it.Shouted slogans and threatened the staff. They left with the warning Not to put up any banners or else," said a statement released by Shaina NC's office.

The police have registered a case against unknown people.

The attack comes days after Shiv Sena workers staged a large protest outside the home of writer Shobhaa De after she criticised the state government in a tweet, saying, "No more popcorn at multiplexes in Mumbai? Dahi missal and vada pav only. To go better with the Marathi movies at prime time."

In the face of a huge backlash, the Maharashtra government has now made it compulsory for the multiplexes to reserve at least one screen for Marathi films anytime between 12 and 9pm, earlier it between 6 and 9pm.