Has the Shiv Sena's ageing tiger bitten off more than he can chew? In an article in the Shiv Sena mouthpiece, party chief Bal Thackeray has hit out at Sachin Tendulkar on comments made to the media last week.

"Mumbai belongs to India. That is how I look at it. I am a Maharashtrian and I am extremely proud of that. But, I am an Indian first," Sachin had said. Forum: Do you agree with Sachin's sentiment?

It's this comment by Maharashtra's own mulga Sachin Tendulkar that angered Bal Thackeray.

In the editorial published in Saamna, Thackeray targeted Tendulkar saying: "You said you are proud of being Marathi but are an Indian first. This has hurt the Marathi people. From the cricket pitch you have entered the political pitch. You also said that all Indians have an equal right on Mumbai. What was the need for this? You have become "run-out" on the Marathi pitch. People praise you when you hit fours and sixes. But if you speak against the rights of Marathi people, they will not tolerate it." Read: Shiv Sena to Sachin: Play cricket, not politics

Perhaps sensing that the comments may not have gone down well, on camera the Sena's comments were quite tame.

"Sachin was born in Mumbai, his father fought many times for Marathi. But, this is a separate issue. Shiv sena has right to speak on Marathi and Maharashtrians. Balasaheb has only given him advice as he loves Sachin," said Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut.

The reaction, both political and outside, have been swift and critical. And it is a clear indication that the Shiv Sena chief has underestimated Sachin's popularity.

"I agree with Sachin's comment. He spoke from the bottom of his heart and it is true. The Shiv Sena is using it to play political games," said Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan. Read: Sachin spoke from his heart: Ashok Chavan

"Maharashtrians will feel hurt that Saamna has targeted Sachin. He is a genuine hero. I am a Maharashtrian and I am proud of him," said Anil Dharkar, a columnist.

"This is extremely dangerous and childish: to start making this Mumbai, Maharashtra, India issue. Where is the controversy? Why make one when none exists? Does he want Maharashtra to secede from India?" said veteran journalist Bachi Karkaria.

Raj Thackeray had targeted Amitabh Bachchan and now his uncle Bal Thackeray is targeting Sachin Tendulkar. As both parties fight over the Marathi vote, targeting an icon seems to be the easiest way to catch the public eye.

Simply Sachin: 20 years | Career stats