Mumbai mayhem: Raj Thackeray accuses government of vote bank politics

NASHIK: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray today alleged that the state government was "backing" the rioters who went on a rampage in South Mumbai after the rally organised by Raza Academy at Azad Maidan there on Saturday turned violent.

"This is surprising that Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and Home Minister R R Patil are appealing to rioters to stay calm. Are they backing them (rioters)? How could the protest on Assam riots be allowed to be held in Mumbai whereas our agitation against toll nakas was crushed by the government?" Raj said.

The MNS chief today kicked off his two-day visit to the city to take stock of the works done by the corporators of his party ruling the municipal corporation.

Two persons were killed in police firing and as many as 55 people, including 46 policemen, were injured when the rally organised by the Raza Academy in South Mumbai on August 11 turned violent with the protesters torching vehicles, pelting stones and damaging buses.

Raj discussed the civic issues plaguing the city with civic chief Sanjay Khandare.