Delay in action against Raj may be part of strategy: Jaiswal

Mumbai, Feb 9 (UNI) Hinting that the Maharashtra Government was contemplating stern action against MNS president Raj Thackeray for his provocative remarks against North Indians, Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal today said that the Government has to act in a ''strategic'' manner to ensure that law and order is not disturbed and common man is not harmed.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Jaiswal said that the Government has to look at the current developments in the long term prospects and not take a hasty decision and face serious consequences later.

''The recent events have put a sense of fear among certain sections of the society living in the city and this is definitely a law and order problem. Police and law and order are state subjects. Government has to tread cautiously weighing all pros and cons before taking any action,'' he said.

Without naming Raj Thackeray or his uncle, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, the Minister said that some people want to establish themselves in politics by raising the issue of regionalism on the lines of those who have trodden this path.

He said that the Centre was satisfied with the State Government's report since the issue surfaced last Sunday. The Centre has directed the State Government to take necessary action to ensure that the ordinary citizen is not affected.

Responding to questions, Mr Jaiswal said it is every human being's instinct to seek greener pastures outside his native place.

Each and every inch of Indian territory belongs to the Indian citizens, he added.

He agreed that it is the duty of every state government to provide comfort to its citizens so that they can avail employment and educational opportunities in their respective states.

''Everybody knows the misfortune that has befallen Uttar Pradesh in the last 15 to 20 years,'' he said.

Mr Jaiswal said that the Maharashtrian community has been a shining example for the rest of the country in socio, economic and political fields and expressed confidence that the Marathi speaking people will not fall prey to such propaganda.

Mr Jaiswal met Joint CP (law and order) K L Prasad and sought details on the prevailing situation and discussed the law and order situation in the city.

UNI MR NM VD RS1919