Mumbai: Jumping into the controversy about permitting Pakistani artistes to perform in India, retired Supreme Court judge Justice Markandey Katju on Wednesday sharply targeted the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) which is stalling the release of Karan Johar’s upcoming film ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’.

“Why does MNS attack helpless people? If u are brave, come to me. I’ve a danda (stick) waiting for u and is getting impatient,” Katju said in twin tweets this evening.

He added: “MNS people are goondas who have drunk the salt water of the Arabian Sea. I am an Allahabadi goonda who has drunk the water of the Sangam.”

Katju also headed the Press Council of India and is known for his forthright views on many issues.

Making his own contribution, former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar also hit out at the MNS for issuing threats to vandalise cinemas and multiplexes which plan to screen Johar’s film which features Pakistani star Fawad Khan, slated for release next Friday.

“One MLA party, MNS, not learning their lessons. With threats of vandalism, etc. they are certain to be a zero-MLA party next elections,” Manjrekar tweeted, entering the field of MNS-bashers.

Surprised by the sudden assault, the MNS reacted by questioning Manjrekar’s credentials to speak on the issue.

“At least we have one MLA … On what basis is he talking like this,” MNS Vice-President Vageesh Saraswat asked even as President of the MNS-affiliated Chitrapat Sena Amey Khopkar criticised Manjrekar’s comments on the issue.

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