Mumbai: The war of words between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Amar Singh is threatening to disrupt peace in Maharashtra.
Amar Singh got a FIR registered against Raj Thackeray at Ajad Maidan Police station following violent clashes between MNS activists and SP workers in Mumbai on Sunday.
The genesis of the violence lay in the vitriolic speech against north Indians by Raj Thackeray, which was followed by Amar Singh’s response.
“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,” Amar Singh had replied after Raj said that the north Indians should learn Marathi and follow the local customs and traditions if they want to live in Maharashtra.
"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," Raj had said a day earlier on Friday.
Raj Thackeray even accused actor Amitabh Bachchan of being more loyal to his home state Uttar Pradesh than Maharashtra and Mumbai where he became a Bollywood superstar.
Amar Singh had also said that the United National Progressive Alliance’s (UNPA) rally in Mumbai on Sunday was aimed at the city’s north Indian population, "who are crucial to the city's growth."
Raj Thackeray had scoffed at the rally and threatened that he would not allow SP leaders to enter the city.
On Sunday, MNS supporters allegedly shut down a cinema hall in Thane, which was screening a Bhojpuri film and damaged property and set the film reel on fire.
Police say the situation is under control but for now the cinema hall has been closed.
Earlier in the day activists of MNS pelted stones at a theater screening a Bhojpuri film in Nashik, too, and scuffled with SP volunteers in Dadar in Mumbai.
The area was tense following the violence and security had to stepped up.
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The police also arrested 20 activists of the MNS and five of the SP.
Deputy Chief Minister RR Patil, who also holds the Home Ministry portfolio, condemned the violence in Mumbai and other parts of the state.
"Fifteen people have been arrested so far and action will be initiated against Raj Thackeray and Abu Azmi under appropriate act after listening to their speeches. The situation in Maharashtra is calm and peaceful. Nobody will be spared and the north Indians will be protected," Patil said.
MNS activists allegedly beat up one SP worker near the United National Progressive Alliance’s rally venue in Dadar and also smashed a few cars and taxis.
Mumbai Police also detained SP state president Abu Azmi when he was protesting outside Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deskmukh's residence. He was detained under the Unlawful Assembly Act.
Deshmukh asked the police to step up security across the state and ordered them to take strict measures against those indulging in unlawful activities. He has called an emergency meeting of senior officials on Monday and also ordered a probe into the attack on north Indians in the state.
The state DGP and Mumbai Police Commissioner would head the inquiry.
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