In a memorandum sent to CM Keshubhai Patel through the district collector, they urged the Gujarat government to register a case against Husain for hurting the religious sentiments of the Hindus and creating social discord by his highly offending paintings.

The memorandum said such act would disturb communal harmony and peace and lead to social tension. In the name of artistic freedom, Husain had first painted a nude picture of Goddess Saraswati and now drawn a nude picture of Hanuman and Sita, the memorandum said adding that he would go on defiling Hindu gods and goddesses if he was not restrained.

It hoped that the Bharatiya Janata Party which came to power both at the centre and the state on the promise of Ramrajya, would initiate proper and prompt action. It, however, expressed surprise over complete silence of BJP and its workers on the issue.

Later on, talking to Express Newsline, Shiv Sena city unit chief Jitubhai Pandya said Husain's painting was intended to create rift between Hindus and Muslims. ``But, we are not against Muslims who have nothing to do with Husain's acts. Shiv Sena will participate in the Tazia procession to demonstrate communal solidarity,'' Pandya added.

Former deputy mayor of city and Congress corporator Shailesh Mehta, who was convener of Tuesday's agitation, said it was totally irresponsible on the part of Husain to paint offensive pictures of religious personalities.

``Even Muslims are against it,'' he said stating that several Muslim youths formed part of the anti-Husain rally.