DPCC chief for prosecuting Raj Thackeray for 'anti-Bihari' remarks

New Delhi, Mar 12 (UNI) Lambasting Maharashtra Nav Nirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray for his tirade against non-Maharashtrians, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Rambabu Sharma today called for his immediate arrest.

Describing Raj Thackeray's comments against Biharis settled in Mumbai as ''a deliberate attempt to disintegrate India and a blatant attack on India's culture and tradition of unity in diversity'', Mr Sharma, addressing a press meet here, said,''Raj Thackeray must be arrested immediately under section 153 A of the IPC.

Speaking at the press meet, also addressed by Congress MLA Mahabal Misra, Mr Sharma said a delegation of the DPCC would meet Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil to demand the immediate arrest of Mr Thackeray.

''We Congressmen strongly condemn this tirade against Bihar people and demand Raj Thackeray's immediate arrest,''Mr Sharma said.

''Raj Thackeray's MNS is Shiv Sena and BJP in disguise. All have a history of fuelling upsurge against North Indians and Poorvanchalis, specially Bihar people. But such acts have been strongly opposed all over india by one and all,''he said.

Addressing MNS activists on Friday at a function in Mumbai to mark the party's first anniversary, Raj allegedly said Biharis who have settled in Mumbai should learn to treat Marathis with "respect".

Raj Thackeray said Marathis in the state administration and the BMC should stop issuing licenses to unauthorised settlers in Mumbai, especially the Biharis.

Criticising Raj's comments, Mr Mahabal Misra said a conference of the Poorvanchalis would be held at the DPCC office tomorrow where Poorvanchalis settled in various parts of India would express their protest over the comments made by Raj Thackeray.

''The comments made by Raj Thackeray are a blatant strike on the Fundamental rights of the Poorvanchalis settled in various parts of India,''he said.

The reaction by the DPCC chief is the latest in the line of protests against the remarks of Raj Thackeray.

Raj's anti-Bihari tirade has, in the past few days, triggered protests in Bihar and New Delhi.

Union Railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, among others, have condemned remarks by MNS president.

UNI