The former Mayor of Thane is known for his "rude" manner

Shiv Sena MP Rajan Vichare, who was caught on camera force-feeding a Muslim employee of Maharashtra Sadan during Ramzan, posted an uncharacteristic message on Facebook on July 21: Walk away from arguments that lead you to anger and nowhere.

Clearly, the 53-year-old shiv sainik did not follow his own advice. The former Mayor of Thane, his associates say, is known for his “rude” manner and penchant for agitation. He faces as many as 8 police cases, according to his election affidavit.

The offences registered against him range from rioting (section 147 of the Indian Penal Code) to intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace (Section 504). During the Lok Sabha campaign, Mr. Vichare had claimed that all the cases were registered against him for agitating to revolve public grievances.

Mr. Vichare joined the Shiv Sena 30 years ago and was an ardent follower of party strongman, the late Anand Dighe known for dispensing his brand of justice through public durbars. He rose through the ranks, beginning as the head of the local Shiv Sena branch. He later became a corporator and finally the Mayor of the Thane Municipality.

In 2009, he became an MLA, winning the assembly election from Thane city. According to his Lok Sabha election affidavit, Mr. Vichare, his wife and their two daughters have properties worth Rs 9.85 crores.

Party activists in Thane have times complained of his rude behaviour towards senior leaders. “But his loyalty towards the party is unquestioned,” said a senior Sena leader.

Yet, Mr. Vichare was overshadowed by more prominent partymen from Thane and was said to be reluctant to contest the Lok Sabha polls. The campaign was a low-key affair. “He was the best example of a victory through the Modi wave. His win was totally unexpected,” said the Sena leader. However, this controversy has only served to embarrass the Shiv Sena’s alliance partner.