Mumbai, Oct 31: BJP today described Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam's statement that North Indians can shut down Mumbai as “irresponsible” and “an exaggeration”.
Mumbai BJP chief Raj Purohit criticised Nirupam, saying that Marathi was the language and culture of Maharashtra, and it should be respected by everybody.
Nirupam had said that as North Indians rendered many basis services in Mumbai, they could bring the life of metropolis to a standstill if they wanted to. The statement evoked sharp reactions from Shiv Sena and Raj Thackeray-led MNS.
“It is an exaggeration....as a citizen of India, everybody has the right to travel, live and work anywhere in the country. But, the local language and culture should be respected. Maharashtra is the only state which has MLAs hailing from other parts of the country,” Purohit said.
In the current Maharashtra legislative assembly, there are three MLAs who are originally from Karnataka, and as many as 11 who hail from Rajasthan, Purohit pointed out.
To a question about Shiv Sena's executive president Uddhav Thackeray's reaction that Shiv Sena would “smash Nirupam's teeth”, Purohit said, “The reaction too should be within limits. But, regional parties have their own issues and agenda. However, Shiv Sena is a regional party with a national vision. It has reacted in its own way.”
