Raj Thackeray backs Dhoble, warns hawkers over holding morcha

"If hawkers take out a morcha at Azad Maidan and try to show their power, MNS will show its power on Mumbai's footpaths," Raj told reporters here this evening.

"Marathi people have the first right on this city," he said.

Opposing Dhoble's transfer, Raj said it would demoralise the police force. "Who will dare act when there is the fear of transfer," he asked.

"Which policemen would come forward to act against "outsiders" and hawkers," Raj said.

"Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar says he may not agree with chief minister on Dhoble's transfer but goes on to add that it is Chavan's prerogative. Why didn't Pawar object when the white paper on irrigation was being prepared," Raj said.

On the hawkers's menace, Raj said, "People are inconvenienced. Entire cities are in a disarray. I appeal to people to stop buying things from these hawkers. If that happens, they will automatically cease to exist." MORE