Nitish for stern action against Raj,asks Lalu to use his influence

Patna, May 5 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today condemned the 'unsavoury' remarks of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena(MNS) president Raj Thackeray against Hindi-speaking people and called for strict action against him.

Mr Kumar told reporters here that he had earlier talked to Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilas Rao Deshmukh to ensure stringent action against Raj Thakeray ''but no such action was taken''.

''I had earlier even written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging the Centre to intervene in saving the life and property of Hindi-speaking people in Maharashtra in the wake of violent attacks against them by vested elements at the instigation of Mr Raj Thackeray,'' Mr Kumar said, adding but nothing tangible was done in this connection.

Asked about the statement of RJD president and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad that he would celebrate Chhath festival in front of Mr Raj Thackeray's residence in Mumbai, Mr Kumar said he was not concerned about where Mr Prasad celebrates Chhath.

''Mr Prasad is an influential minister in the UPA government led by the Congress at the Centre and he should ensure stringent action against Mr Thackeray,'' he remarked adding that there was a Congress led government in Maharashtra.

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