Governor cautions politicians against fanning regionalism

Patna, Feb 22 (UNI) Bihar Governor R S Gavai today cautioned the politicians against fanning regionalism for political mileage, stating that it was a serious threat to ''unity and integrity'' of the country.

Mr Gavai told reporters here that attack on North Indians, especially Biharis living in Maharashtra, on instigation from president of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Raj Thackeray was ''unfortunate'' and it was the Constitutional duty of the State Government concerned to protect the life and property of the people.

''Although I am from Maharashtra, but I feel like Bihari as Governor of Bihar, '' he said, adding assault on the people of Bihar in Maharashtra had deeply hurt him.

''Immediately after the provocation from Mr Thackeray against the Hindi-speaking people in Maharashtra, I talked to Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and requested him to take stern action against such elements, '' he said, adding he had also contacted the Union Home Minister on the issue.

The Constitutional right of the people to earn livelihood in any part of the country should be protected at any cost and any attempt of its infringement would jeopardise the unity and integrity of the nation, Mr Gavai said, adding, ''Indian first-Indian last'' should be the guiding philosophy of patriotrism for every citizen of the country.

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