"Marathi-non Marathi" narrow political agenda, says Maha CM

Describing the "Marathi versus non-Marathi" issue as the narrow political agenda of few politicians, Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan today said that a placement agency owned by one such leader had recruited 150 non-Maharashtrians.

Describing the "Marathi versus non-Marathi" issue as the narrow political agenda of few politicians, Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan today said that a placement agency owned by one such leader had recruited 150 non-Maharashtrians.

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"Their party's public stand says something and the leaders act otherwise. I am not complaining," Chavan said without naming the Shiv Sena or MNS, during his reply to the motion of thanks to the Governor for his address to the joint sitting of the state Legislature.

When the opposition benches asked Chavan to name the party and the leader concerned, he said, "I would reveal the names at the appropriate time."

Chavan said his government had an all-inclusive approach in its vision for developing the state.

"Maharashtra belongs to all. My government is committed to the welfare of all people who live here," he said.

Opposition members staged a walk out at the end of the Chief Minister's speech criticising him for not spelling out the government's stand on extension of statutory development boards whose term expires next month.

He said his government was committed to the development of Marathi language, art and culture.