The civic authorities in Kalyan demolished a public relations office of the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of Shiv Sena on Saturday after authorities declared it an illegal structure. The incident in Kalyan East led to tension in the area with several Shivsainiks taking to the streets to protest against the action. According to the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), they were carrying out anti-encroachment drives in the area. Four illegally-constructed structures, including the Shiv Sena office, were demolished yesterday by the KDMC's anti-encroachment department.
However, the Shiv Sena faction opined that the demolition was an act of political vendetta and said the officers carried out it under pressure from the ruling party in the state. They said, even if the KDMC is conducting an anti-encroachment drive, this building does not come under the priority list. "Over 17 years, the office was functioning in the same location and there were no objections. These latest actions, for sure, were under pressure from the ruling party. If they are conducting an anti-encroachment action, they should also demolish other illegal construction in the city," a Shiv Sena leader said. The miffed group is also planning to protest against the action in the coming days.