A day after Raj Thackeray hit out at migrants, holding them responsible for crimes against women in Mumbai and virtually issued a decree that people should “cut off hands” of migrants who attack women, the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party hit back at the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena MNS chief. In reaction to Mr Thackeray’s speech in Kolhapur, the Congress and NCP said that Mr Thackeray provides “free entertainment” and should instead take up mimicry. Reacting to Mr Thackeray’s statement about ‘cutting off the hands” of migrants if they indulge in crime in Maharashtra, NCP spokesman Nawab Malik said that Mr Thackeray was misleading the youth. Further, responding to allegations that home minister R.R. Patil’s followers were threatening MNS workers and their family members, Mr Malik said that Mr Patil was not someone who threatens, but someone who acts against those “who threaten others”. As to Mr Thackeray’s mimicry of other political leaders in his speech, Mr Malik said, “He could become a mimicry artist”. When asked if the NCP would demand action against Mr Thackeray for provocative statements, Mr Malik said, “He speaks in ifs and buts. Hence, his statement don’t become liable for legal scrutiny.” Additionally, state Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant described Mr Thackeray’s rallies as “free entertainment”. “The state has a long tradition of one-man shows. Raj can continue it. His proposed blue print for the state’s development is a farce,” Mr Sawant added.
