Uddhav Thackeray apologised for an offensive cartoon in party mouthpiece Saamna. (File)
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray today apologised for a cartoon which appeared in the party mouthpiece - Saamana - that poked fun at the silent or 'muk' protests carried out by Maratha community in Maharashtra.
"There was no intention to hurt anyone. Things have calmed down, and it's been a few days but I am still uneasy about it. I want to reiterate and apologise if anyone's sentiments have been hurt," he said.
On Tuesday, a pro-Maratha group had attacked the Saamana office in Navi Mumbai and demanded the party chief apologise or risk further attacks. Mr Thackeray however denied that his apology was forced by the incident.
"There is nothing wrong in seeking forgiveness from my own people. What is wrong if I apologise to my mothers and sisters if their feelings have been hurt?" he said.
The Maratha community - which constitutes more than 30 per cent of Maharashtra's voters - has been demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. So far the protests have been peaceful with community members choosing to remain silent during their marches.