Deshmukh discusses 'MNS' issue with Sonia

New Delhi, Feb 7: Amid immense pressure from the UPA allies to arrest the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray for his remarks against North Indians, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today discussed the situation arising out of the issue with Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
AICC sources said Mr Deshmukh had discussed the fall out of Mr Thackeray's statement, including the violent incidents in Mumbai last week end.

The Chief Minister's consultations with the Party chief is seen as a clear sign that the Maharashtra government would act tough on Mr Thackeray in a day or two. Mr Deshmukh told mediapersons that he had a detailed discussion on the issue with Ms Gandhi. He explained to her that the government had sought the opinion of the Advocate General and leading luminaries on what action could be initiated against Mr Thackeray so as to nip in the bud the effort to sow divisive seeds in the minds of the people. Mr Deshmukh said that he expected a report from the AG today evening.

UNI