vIndianz.com (2 Feb, 2010) — The war of words between Rahul Gandhi and Shiv Sena over the Mumbai migrant issue intensified on Tuesday with the Congress leader asserting that India is for all Indians and Udhav Thackeray accusing him of insulting Marathi policemen who were killed in the 26/11 attacks.
“India belongs to Indians. Every part of India belongs to every Indian. I am not interested in the views of Bal Thackeray or (MNS chief) Raj Thackeray,” Rahul Gandhi said. “In Mumbai (during the terror attacks), men in the NSG were from Bihar, UP, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra. At that time they (Sena) did not say that those from Bihar and UP should be taken out. India has to move forward and all have to be taken forward,” he said addressing a press conference in Patna, according tp Press Trust of India.
In Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena Executive President hit back at the Congress party leader saying, “Rahul Gandhi has insulted the bravery of martyrs like Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte, Vijay Salaskar, Tukaram Omble, all daring Marathi policemen, and NSG Major Sandeep Unnikrishan.”
“Where was Rahul Gandhi when Mumbai was attacked,” Uddhav was quoted as saying in Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamna’. Thackeray said he condemned the “anti-Marathi” statement of Rahul.
Coming out strongly against the campaign that people hailing from UP and Bihar have no place in Maharashtra, Mr. Gandhi said, “Those who indulge in violence will be dealt with strictly by the Maharashtra Government.
“Strict action will be taken and action is being taken,” he said.
Rahul had on Monday blasted Shiv Sena and the Raj Thackeray-led MNS for their constant tirade against North Indians and had reminded them that the NSG men who vanquished Pakistani terrorists during the Mumbai attacks were from Bhiar, UP and other places.
Taking a swipe at the two Sena outfits, he had said, “If terrorists have to be fought with, let Biharis remain there.”
“In Maharashtra, MNS leader Raj Thackeray keeps on saying throw out people of Bihar and UP. But, who killed the terrorists who had attacked Mumbai? They were the NSG guys from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and from the rest of the country. At that time they did not say throw away Biharis,” he said.
Further Reading- Gopinath Munde meets Uddhav Thackeray amid speculations of quitting BJP – Daily News & Analysis
- IPL: Thackeray withdraws threat
- Shiv Sena wins over MNS in Mumbai University Senate – NDTV.com
- IPL-3: Gilchrist to withdraw over Sena threat
- Balasaheb has a busy birthday – Times of India
- NCP candidate defeats Sena man, win gives a boost to Ajit Pawar – Hindustan Times
- Rahul Gandhi impressed by Satara’s would-be military officers – Daily News & Analysis
- Thackeray targets Pawar et al
- Thackeray under fire over ”U-turn” on varsity renaming – IBNLive.com
- Saffron parties go all out to propitiate Ramdas Athavale – Daily News & Analysis
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