Raj flexes muscle on toll issue, dares Maha govt to arrest him

MNS Chief has announced a statewide 'rasta roko' agitation on Feb 12

Escalating his confrontation with the state government on the toll issue, MNS chief Raj Thackeray today announced a statewide "rasta roko" agitation on February 12 to press for abolition of the levy and dared the government to arrest him.

Raj, who is facing multiple cases for instigating his party cadres to vandalise toll booths on various highways a few days back, said he was determined to continue his stir until the government has made collection of road tax "transparent".

"My meeting with chief minister Prithviraj Chavan to resolve the (toll) issue has proved futile. I am left with no option but to continue my agitation against the collection of toll and to side with the anger of people against the unjustified road tax," Raj said addressing the rally at S P College ground here.

He also criticised the "lax" Home department over the law and order issue in Maharashtra.

Taking a dig at Shiv Sena for criticising his ongoing agitation, the MNS chief said," I wonder whether that party was part of the ruling coalition or belonged to the opposition".