Click to play videoNew Delhi: The fallout of Raj Thackeray's campaign against North Indians in Maharashtra is taking a violent turn.
There have been reports of clashes between Samajwadi Party workers and those of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in Dadar area of Mumbai.
The area is tense and security has been stepped up as the United National Progressive Alliance's (UNPA) Desh Bachao (save the country) rally is in progress in Shivaji Park in Dadar.
Earlier in the day, activists of Raj Thackeray’s MNS allegedly beat up one Samajwadi Party worker. Unruly groups also smashed a few cars.
“People of Uttar Pradesh and the rest of the nation will watch how Raj Thackeray is announcing death of the nation. However, the government of India seems to be keeping quiet,” says Amar Singh.
Many Samajwadi Party leaders including Mulayam Singh Yadav, Amar Singh and Jaya Bachchan are attending the rally that is clearly targeted at Mumbai's North Indian population.
The leaders have launched a scathing attack on Raj Thackerays attempts to start the Maharashtrian versus outsider debate
A political showdown loomed in Mumbai with the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA) gearing up to hold a Desh Bachao (save country) rally amid a bitter Maharashtrian-outsider debate triggered by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh on Saturday added fuel to the fire, saying that the rally is aimed at Mumbai's North Indian population, "who are crucial to the city's growth."
Earlier on Saturday, Raj Thackeray had allegedly scoffed at the UNPA's rally and threatened that he would not allow SP leaders to enter the city. He also held out a veiled threat to the north Indians, saying, "if they want to remain in Maharashtra then they should stay like Maharashtrians."
"If the North Indians want to stay in Maharashtra, then better they learn the Marathi culture and language. Let them learn to celebrate Maharashtra Day instead of any other state events," he said.
On Friday, Raj Thackeray had launched a scathing attack on Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan accusing him of being more loyal to Uttar Pradesh. His supporters even disrupted a press conference of Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh on Saturday.
"If a superstar can have so much love for his own home state, then why should it be a surprise if Raj Thackeray has love for his own home state," Raj had said at a function on Friday night.
"When Amitabh had to contest elections, he chose Allahabad. Why didn't he choose Mumbai? He even chose to be the brand ambassador of Uttar Pradesh," Raj asked.
"Though he has become a star in Mumbai, his interest is in Uttar Pradesh. That is why he was trying to be an ambassador of UP rather than Maharashtra."
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)
More on IBNLive Right Now
MOST SHARED
PHOTOGALLERY
