Shiv Sena objects to Rahul comments on Maharashtra

MUMBAI - The Shiv Sena Friday objected to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s purported comments against Maharashtra during the campaigning in the Bihar polls and said that it would launch a state-wide protest against him.

Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray asked why Maharashtra was being dragged into the Bihar election issues.

“Rahul Gandhi has insulted the Marathis in Bihar and the Marathis in Maharashtra. He has lost his balance,” Thackeray thundered.

Gandhi had reportedly said that the people of Bihar were being thrown out of Maharashtra and Mumbai even though they had made a major contribution to the development of Maharashtra.

Thackeray said the party would not tolerate such comments by Rahul Gandhi and would launch protests all over Maharashtra.

“If that is true, then the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party government should be dismissed forthwith. We are ready to face the electorate again,” Uddhav demanded.

Incidentally, the Shiv Sena and Raj Thackerays Maharashtra Navnirman Sena had launched an agitation against north Indians, including the people of Bihar.

He wondered whether the Congress and its chief Sonia Gandhi endorsed Rahul Gandhis views, as also the Marathi leaders and legislators in that party, besides the ruling front in Maharashtra.

Is it also their opinion? We strongly condemn it, Uddhav said, apparently attempting to isolate Rahul Gandhi within the party and vis-a-vis Maharashtra leaders.

Replying to a question, Uddhav said that mere apology (by Rahul) would not suffice anymore. We have tolerated all this many times in the past, now we shall protest against him all over Maharashtra.”