Retract statement praising north Indians: Sena to CM

Mumbai: Flaying chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for praising north Indians, Shiv Sena on Saturday said that he should withdraw his “irresponsible” statement about the contribution of “outsiders” to Mumbai.

The Sena, which is part of the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) dispensation at the Centre, has often been at loggerheads with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on several issues.

“The Maharashtrian people have the first right and claim over Mumbai. The statement by Mr Fadnavis is an insult to Maharashtra,” an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana said.

The chief minister — while speaking in Ghatkopar late on Wednesday evening — had said that Mumbai, the country’s financial capital, has always given shelter to many, and those who live here have added to the city’s prestige.

“I believe that among the many things that make Mumbai great is the people who have come from various states and settled here. They also make Mumbai great. Today, when we speak of Mumbai and Maharashtra, we immediately see the north Indian community. This city has always given shelter to many and those who have taken shelter here have always added to the city’s prestige,” the CM had said.

The Sena took umbrage at the chief minister’s remarks with party MP Sanjay Raut declaring that the statement was insult to the 105 martyrs who laid their lives for the United Maharashtra movement, which resulted in the creation of the present state of Maharashtra on May 1, 1960.    

Recalling the mill workers, who were once the dominant community in Mumbai, Mr Raut had said, “Mill land was given away for the construction of towers, which affected the Marathi-speaking community. Mill workers were thrown out of Mumbai. It is very sad if the government is promoting the very people who uprooted the Marathi population. In  the current atmosphere,  I fear that Mumbai might not remain with Maharashtra.”