Raj backs down from 'threat' over Marathi signboards issue

Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray today backed down from his reported threat to business establishments to sport signboards in Marathi after the Bombay High Court stepped in to restrain him and his supporters from indulging in violence. The court observed that nobody can “hold the people to ransom”.

The MNS chief instead announced he is ready to wait and watch what action the government takes against those who are not following the state’s law mandating signboards in Marathi.

The remark came after the state police arrested 700-odd prominent activists of the MNS from Mumbai, Thane, Nashik and Pune, said sources.

Addressing a press conference, Thackeray said, “What we are asking is that the law of the state should be implemented, but instead we are being targeted. The state should resolve to implement the law, which dates back to 1961, instead of cracking the whip on the MNS workers.”

“We don’t have any desire to take to the streets just like that. I will be happy if the government strictly implements the provision for mandatory Marathi signboards”, Raj said.