The Shiv Sena today welcomed Pune Police's decision to decline permission for a gathering to be addressed by All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (MIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Muslim reservation and charged that his speeches are a threat to religious tolerance.

The BJP-ally accused Owaisi of "provoking communal tension" and pressed for steps to ensure he and his men are banned in the state. "We thank the Pune Police department for not allowing the gathering to take place in the city. The state Home department should take steps to ensure that (Asaduddin) Owaisi and his men are banned from Maharashtra.