Raj Thackeray’s turn to stoke ‘Marathi passions’

The warring Thackeray siblings seemed to have found a common enemy in Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, reports HT Correspondent.

The warring Thackeray siblings seemed to have found a common enemy in Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

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A day after the Shiv Sena launched a verbal attack on the Congress leader, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s Raj Thackeray took the criticism a step further terming Gandhi as Romeputra (Rome’s Son).

“Rahul Gandhi speaks about the plight of north Indians in Maharashtra. If he is so concerned he should also speak about the plight of Indians who are being attacked in Australia,” Raj said at a public gathering in Dombivali.

“The whole Gandhi clan has fought elections from UP but have still not managed to develop the area. Now they are instrumental in sending hordes from these areas to Maharashtra,” he added.

Thackeray also termed Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan as spineless due to his changing of stance of the taxi permit issue. The CM had earlier announced that new permits would be given to only those who knew Marathi, but he later retracted.

“Only those who are Maharashtrians by birth should be given these permits. Tomorrow Marathi classes will spring up in Bihar and UP and these people will flood the state seeking permits. This can’t happen.”

Thackeray also ran down the Shiv Sena’s recent agitation on the Marathi issue, saying it was done due to the fear of an eroding support base. “It is our votes and support that elected 13 of my MLAs that is troubling certain parties.”

Thackeray also attacked RSS spokesperson Ram Madhav for teaching Maharashtrians nationalism. “Ram Madhav is a Kannadiga, he should first check the status of his own state where irrigated land can only be brought by Kannadigas.”

In his 20-minute speech, he also attacked Mukesh Ambani.

“Ambani’s have made all their wealth in Mumabi but when it comes to investment they choose Gujarat to set up their biggest project,” he added.