MNS stubs CM’s N-Indian praise

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Thursday criticised chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for his remarks praising North Indians.

Mr Fadnavis had said that North Indians had helped in making Mumbai great. However, the MNS condemned the CM’s remarks and said Mumbai was already glorious and no North Indian helped in its development. On the party’s Twitter account, it even quoted Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on how the people of Maharashtra have built the city with their hard work.

Mr Fadnavis, while speaking in Ghatkopar late on Wednesday, said that the country’s financial capital has always given shelter to many and those who live here have added to the city’s prestige. “I believe that among the many things which make Mumbai great is the people who have come from various states and settled here. They also make Mumbai great. Today, when we speak of Mumbai and Maharashtra, we immediately see the North Indian community. This city has always given shelter to many and those who have got shelter here have always added to the city’s prestige. Today, we can say that the North Indian community which has settled in Mumbai, has always worked towards increasing the prestige of the city,” he had said.

Reacting sharply to the CM’s comment, the MNS reminded him of Dr Ambedkar’s statement and posted it on their social media account. Dr Ambedkar had said, “Mumbai would not have been glorious if Mahara-shtrians had not worked for the state. Mumbai’s pulse is in Maharashtra. Maharashtra supplies electricity, water and even labourers for industries to Mumbai. If Maharashtra stops cooperating then Mumbai will become Mohenjodaro or dead city.”

MNS leader Nitin Sardesai said the CM was acting like Congress leaders in order to get votes from North Indians. “Mumbai was glorious from the beginning and the North Indians did not contribute anything to its development. There was no need for people from other states to come here and make it greater. They came here for their livelihood because there was no development in their states. How are they going to make Mumbai great,” he said.