Fadnavis lauds north Indians, draws MNS' ire

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has lauded the contribution of north Indians and people from other states to Mumbai, drawing flak from the Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

Fadnavis said 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," Fadnavis said at a public event in Ghatkopar area here on Wednesday.

"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," he said.

The BJP leader further said, "Today, we can say that the North Indian community which has settled in Mumbai, has always worked towards increasing the prestige of the city."

Criticising the chief minister's remarks, MNS leader Nitin Sardesai said the meaning of what Fadnavis said was simple. "For him, the votes of these north Indians are more important. He is not concerned about the original Mumbaikar, farmers and people of Maharashtra."

Sardesai claimed that such remarks are being made keeping an eye on the north Indian votes.

"Mumbai and Maharashtra have always been great. There was no need for people from other states to come here and make it greater," he said.

"They (north Indians) came to Mumbai for their livelihood because there was no development in their states. How are they going to make Mumbai great," the MNS charged.