The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has extended its support to the Sanatan Sanstha, the radical Hindu organisation in news these days following the arrest of its member Sameer Gaikwad in connection with the murder of a top rationalist of Maharashtra.


In the latest editorial of Saamana, the Sena described late rationalist Govind Pansare as a "dharma virodhi' (anti-religious) even as it glorified the work of Sanatan Sanstha.


The unabashed support has shocked many, including the family of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, who have termed the Sena support to the right- wing organisation "dangerous for democracy'. The Congress and the NCP have also condemned the Sena.