Responding to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s comments against MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Sena UBT president Uddhav Thackeray, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Tuesday said that the remarks were not aimed at all Marathi people but it was improper to say such things.
“Though he hasn’t said it to all Marathi people, it is improper to say such things as it leads to different interpretations,” the CM told mediapersons outside the Vidhan Bhavan.
In the wake of the language row in Maharashtra, Jharkhand MP Dubey had said that if the Thackerays step out of Maharashtra, “they will be thrashed repeatedly”.
“You people (Marathis) are surviving on our money. What kind of industries do you have? If you are brave enough to beat Hindi speakers, then you should also beat those who speak Urdu, Tamil, and Telugu,” he had said.
Reacting to the comment, Fadnavis said that Marathis have always stood against foreign invaders and have kept the Indian culture alive by fighting against them.
Praising the battle history of Maratha warriors, the chief minister said, “Nobody can deny the contribution of Marathi people and nobody should even try to do it.”
Speaking about police denying permission for the MNS march in Mumbai’s Mira Road on Tuesday morning, Fadnavis said that it was denied as the party leaders insisted on a particular route for the protest, which could have led to law and order issues.
Story continues below this ad
Several MNS workers were detained in this connection since last night. The MNS had called the protest to counter a stir organised by traders after a shop owner was recently thrashed by party workers for refusing to speak in Marathi.
“I inquired with the police as to why permission was denied for the MNS protest march. I was told that they were insistent on a route which would lead to conflict. The police also said that they had inputs about some people who wanted to indulge in some other activities,” Fadnavis said, adding that the police repeatedly requested them to change the route, but they did not accept it. So the permission was denied.
Fadnavis added that permission can be given to anyone to hold protest marches, but if someone wants to hold it on their terms and disturb law and order, then it is not good.