War of words: Aaditya Thackeray's 'chaddi baniyan gang' jibe sparks row with Sena MLA Nilesh Rane

Speaking in the assembly, Worli MLA Thackeray said he sympathises with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis since the latter has to deal with his "'chaddi baniyan gang" allies.

Mumbai: Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane and Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Aaditya Thackeray engaged in a verbal tussle in the Maharashtra assembly on Monday after the latter used the term "chaddi baniyan" gang in a veiled reference to Rane's colleagues Sanjay Gaikwad and Sanjay Shirsat.

A recent video showed Buldhana Shiv Sena MLA Gaikwad, clad in a vest and towel, punching a canteen staffer after accusing him of serving stale dal, while minister Sanjay Shirsat was seen in a clip resting on a bed close to a bag that Thackeray's party claimed contained bundles of currency notes.

Speaking in the assembly, Worli MLA Thackeray said he sympathises with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis since the latter has to deal with his "chhadi banian gang" allies.

"They do whatever they want to because to do not have fear," Thackeray said.

In response, Kudal MLA Nilesh Rane, part of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, dared Thackeray to take names of those he referred to as "chaddi baniyan gang".

"How can one make such comments just to for the sake of criticising. If you have guts take names," Rane said while demanding that Thackeray's remarks be expunged from the proceedings.