Maharashtra govt comes to SRK's rescue, warns Shiv Sena

Politics over Shiv Sena's violent protests against Shah Rukh Khan, calling him a traitor for saying that Pakistani cricketers should be allowed to play in the IPL, has intensified.

Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil has now come out in open support of Shah Rukh Khan and warned Shiv Sena against disrupting the screening of My name is Khan.

"Shiv Sena will have to pay through its nose if it indulges in ransacking or disturbing theaters screening movies of actor Shah Rukh Khan," said Patil.

Patil's warning came after a group of Shiv Sena activists shouted slogans demanding that SRK go to Pakistan on Sunday afternoon outside the Bollywood superstar's residence Mannat in Bandra.

Now battle lines are drawn with NCP which holds the Home portfolio in Maharashtra.

NCP leaders also took the opportunity to target Shiv Sena chief over the flip-flop on cricketer issue

"Bal Thackeray must remember that he was the one who invited Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad, who is related to India's most wanted terrorist Dawood Ibrahim, at his residence. He should apologise to India," said NCP Minority Wing leader Nawab Malik.

But Shiv Sena's traditional ally BJP has came out in support of the Sena.

"If you have to stay in this country, you have to respect and praise it," said Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly Ekanath Khadse.

In Nagpur, Sainiks went on a rampage vandalising posters of SRK's yet to be released film My Name is Khan.

They garlanded his effigy with shoes in Kolhapur and even left a calling card - a poster-size letter labelling Shah Rukh a traitor outside theatres and multiplexes in Thane.

Given the concern over repeated threats from the Shiv Sena, Mumbai Police are taking no chances and have stepped up security outside Shah Rukh's residence.

But Shiv Sena's strategy of trying to gain political mileage from one the country's most popular men and a youth icon could possibly backfire.