Navnirman Sena, SP activists clash

Furore triggered by Raj Thackeray's remarks against Bachchan and north Indians.

The recent bout of attack on north Indians and superstar Amitabh Bachchan by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray turned ugly when some MNS and Samajwadi Party (SP) supporters clashed near Shivaji Park, the venue of a rally organised by the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA).

The clash took place before the start of the rally. Senior leaders of the UNPA, including Samajwadi Party chief and alliance chairman Mulayam Singh Yadav, were scheduled to speak at the event.

Activists of both political parties assembled outside the Plaza Cinema in Dadar and indulged in stone pelting. Five cars were damaged.

The clash came hours after actor and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan hit out against the MNS chief's statement against her husband. Incidents of tearing of the UNPA posters en route to Shivaji Park, allegedly by the MNS activists, were also reported.

The MNS chief, continuing his attack, yesterday warned the north Indians that if they wanted to remain in Maharashtra, they should live like Maharashtrians.

"If north Indians want to stay in Maharashtra, then they better learn the Marathi culture and language. Let them learn to celebrate Maharashtra Day instead of events of other states," he said.

A few days ago, he had targeted the Biharis living in the state for celebrating the "Chhatt Puja" and Bachchan for doing more for his home state of Uttar Pradesh than Maharashtra, where he said he achieved so much.

Railway Minister Lalu Yadav also faced demonstrations by the MNS, whose 25 activists showed him black flags after he objected to Bal Thackeray's estranged nephew making light of the "Chhath" festival, observed by Biharis. "He(Raj) is a child in politics," Yadav said later.