Raj slams north Indians; calls UP 'den of terrorism'

THANE: Ending a long break, MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday night resumed his virulent campaign against North Indians describing Uttar Pradesh as a "den of terrorism" and accusing the state's Chief Minister Mayawati and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad of doing caste politics.

Defying Maharashtra government's order asking him not to make provocative speeches, Raj, addressing a rally here, spewed venom against North Indians justified his agitation against them who he said encroached on job prospects of locals in Maharashtra.

He said it would not be possible for him to abide by the government's gag order and he cannot be a "mute spectator when interests of Maharashtra are at stake".

"Let the government do whatever it wants. I will not watch things and will express my views. I cannot be a mute spectator," Raj said.

Alleging Uttar Pradesh was a den of terrorism in the country, Raj pointed to "criminals hailing from Azamgarh and Jaunpur". Several criminals from UP were arrested in Maharashtra in arms sale cases, he said.

Raj also alleged irregularities in issuance of driving licence by transport authorities.

Raj singled out those from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, saying the word `north Indians' should not be loosely used as states like Punjab, Haryana and Kashmir were also part of north India.

He said there was nothing like 'Uttar Pradesh Day' even in UP and "leaders from these places use the occasion to show their strength".