Banish MNS from Maharashtra politics: Nirupam

Nashik, Feb 16 (UNI) Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam today demanded banishment of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) from state politics, saying the MNS was a ''blot'' on its culture and politics.

''MNS is a 'blot' on Maharashtra politics and culture. It should be banished from its politiacs,'' Mr Nirupam said in an interaction with mediapersons here today.

''What kind of Marathi 'asmita' (pride) is this that took life of a Marathi person itself?'' he asked.

''Beating poor common people and removing them from the cities like Mumbai and Nashik is not a solution. If you want to fight, fight it politically,'' he remarked.

The Congress leader was here in the backdrop of the recent violence unleashed by MNS, in which two people were killed and forced many North Indians to leave the city.

Speaking about Mumbai, he said it is an island city and it can be expanded by reclaiming land. It will be a solution to accommodate the influx of people in the city.

On the 'Chhat Puja' issue, Mr Nirupam said ''Chhat Puja is a 'worship', not a show of strength and we will celeabrate it in Mumbai this year also.'' He also challenged the opponents to stop it, if possible.

''If someone considers it as 'strength', it will be useful for Maharashtra also,'' he replied.

He said ''I follow many Maharashtrian traditions, celebrate the biggest 'Dahi Handi' festival in Mumbai. There are many North Indians who follow the Maharashtrian traditions.'' He said he was here to instill confidence in those people who are living in fear.

He even appealed the North Indians, who had left the city, to return, saying ''Nashik and Maharashtra are yours. You are here to earn your bread. Don't leave your bread.'' He admitted that politicians of Bihar were 'responsible' for the backwardness of the people there and their migration to other states in search of livelihood.

He said the improvement of infrastructure in states such as Bihar will be a solution to stop migration. But it will take some time, he added.

Regarding the celebration of 'Uttar Pradesh Day' by the people from Uttar Pradesh living in Maharashtra, he said these people celebrate 'Maharashtra Day' as well.

Earlier, the Congress leader visited the violence-affected Ambad and Satpur areas in the district, Jindal Polyfilms Ltd (whose one guard died during the violence), and Niphad (the hometown of Ambadas Dharrao, an employee of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd who was also killed in a stone-pelting incident).

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