'Maha govt prevented SRK-Thackeray meet'

As the stand-off between Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra government continues ahead of Friday's release of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'My Name is Khan', the Sena on Thursday claimed the state government prevented a meeting between party chief Bal Thackeray and the actor.

"Khan had expressed willingness to meet Thackeray after his United States trip to resolve the issue. However, the ruling Congress-NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) combine foiled the bid, saying the government was capable of tackling the Shiv Sainiks," Shiv Sena said in the party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

"SRK has now declared in Abu Dhabi that he would be meeting Thackeray to ensure smooth release of his film in Maharashtra," the newspaper said.

Meanwhile, in an editorial titled 'My Name is Ashok Khan', Saamana flayed Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, saying he was siding with Khan, 'a Pakistan lover,' to retain his chief ministerial chair.

"Produce a film 'My Name is Kasab' and hand over the nationalist youth opposing it, to Pakistan. Ashok Khan, we are sure you will do it," the editorial said.