Thackeray lauds Delhi CM for anti-migrant views

Thackeray praised Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for her remarks against influx of migrants to the national capital, reports HT Correspondent.

Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray has found inadvertent and unwitting support from a rather unlikely quarter. And he’s all praise for her.

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Thackeray on Monday praised Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for her remarks against influx of migrants to the national capital.

At a function in New Delhi last week, Dikshit had raised concern over Delhi’s increasing population and its strain on the city-state’s infrastructure. She had blamed influx of migrants for the same.

Thackeray also demanded that the Centre introduce a permit system for migrants to stay in cities like Delhi and Mumbai so they are not overburdened.

“She is the only man in the Congress for taking such a bold stand,” Thackeray wrote in party mouthpiece, Saamna. “Without worrying about anyone, she pointed out how Delhi was suffering due to continuous influx of migrants from its adjoining states.”

Editorials in Saamna are seen as Thackeray’s views or the party’s official stand on a particular issue.

“If we demand restrictions on influx of migrants to Mumbai, political leaders oppose it,” said Thackeray. “In our city, there are restrictions on pandals for Ganesh mandals but nobody speaks about government land being grabbed by illegal dwellers.”

Thackeray blamed the Congress for the situation.

“Like Delhi, Mumbai’s population has risen from 40 lakh to 1.25 crore but the roads, water resources and health system remain the same,” he said.

Thackeray demanded that permit system (for anybody who wants to stay in the city) should be started for cities like Mumbai and Delhi if the Centre wanted to save them from further trouble.