Thackeray congratulates Ratan Tata on 'Nano'

Mumbai, Jan 12 (UNI) Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has congratulated Tata Sons Chairman Ratan Tata for keeping his promise of delivering the world's cheapest car 'Nano' to the common man of India.

''It is a beginning of a new era in the automobile industry.

Many other companies will follow suit and the middle class will have a choice. There are many rich and super-rich industrialists in the country and Mr Tata is one of them. But not all can touch the hearts of the common people like him. I congratulate Mr Tata and the Tata empire for the same,'' Mr Thackeray wrote in an editorial in today's issue of his Party mouthpiece 'Saamna'.

Launching a scathing attack on critics of 'Nano', Mr Thackeray said, ''The rich are responsible for vehicular pollution, congestion and fuel emission. Bigger the car, more is the requirement of fuel and pollution. Those who speak about pollution and congestion should first speak about the habit of the rich people to travel alone in their huge cars when the seating capacity is for five.'' The Sena chief wondered whether it is only for the middle class to worry about vehicular traffic congestion and pollution and the rich are free to show off their wealth.

''Fault lies with the country's planners. Why should the middle class and the one who successfully brought the affordable car to the people be punished for it and prevented from realising their dream of owning a car,'' he asked.

UNI MR NM SHB RS1522