The MNS has cried foul at the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) move to summon party chief Raj Thackeray, calling it a "politically motivated" decision. Party workers have threatened to take to the streets on August 22, when Raj has been summoned by the ED and asked people to leave their houses only if necessary.
CM Devendra Fadnavis, Amit Shah to discuss Maharashtra's political scene
The ED summons to Raj may be part of a larger game plan by the BJP to generate sympathy for the MNS chief, whose party is facing a tough time after a series of electoral setbacks and desertions from the ranks. MNS sympathisers admit that in case the BJP snaps it's alliance with the Shiv Sena for the state assembly elections, the former may bet on the MNS to fracture the Marathi vote, helping the BJP sail through in Mumbai and Pune.