Sena sharpens attack on North Indians, says they are uninvited

Hitting out at Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam's remarks that North Indians can shutdown Mumbai, the Shiv Sena today said that Maharashtra had not invited them to come and work here in the first place.

"The North Indians were not invited to Mumbai. They came here to earn livelihood, and settled down. If people from UP and Bihar ply autos, sell milk and vegetables, they are also involved in other illegal activities. If they feel that they can shut down Mumbai, they are free to take their cattle and 'tabelas' back to their native places," the party's mouthpiece 'Saamana' said in an editorial.

The edit said that several small businesses are in the control of North Indians. But it did not mean that if they stop work, the city will come to a standstill.

"Other hard working people will take their place. Mumbai is a city that is always on the move. If the North Indians stop supplying milk, Mumbaikars will not start having black tea," it said.

"Mahanand, Aarey, Gokul, Warna are milk brands run by Marathi people. Maharashtrians run 'vada pav' stalls and they can also sell 'bhel', 'pani puri' and as well iron clothes."

The paper warned North Indian leaders like Mumbai Congress chief Kripashankar Singh, Samajwadi party leader Abu Asim Azmi and Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam against making comments about Mumbai being run by North Indians.

"Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra and only Marathi people have the first right on the city. Others can stay in peace here. It is their wish if they do not want peace and happiness," the paper said.