CM should thank Shiv Sena for discharging his duties: Raut

Mumbai, Mar 6 (UNI) Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut today said Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh should thank the party for giving a befitting reply to those who had tried to malign the image of the state and its people.

''Members of Parliament from Bihar had indulged in mud-slinging against Maharashtra and Maharashtrians, and it was the Chief Minister's duty to give them a fitting reply. But, the Shiv Sena has done the same on the Chief Minister's behalf and, so, he must thank the Shiv Sena,'' a front page box item published in 'Saamna' quoted Mr Raut as saying.

Mr Raut is also the executive editor of the Marathi paper.

Mr Raut was reacting to the demand for Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's arrest following yesterday's editorial in 'Saamna' that had created an uproar in Parliament.

''Mr Deshmukh should remember that he represents Maharashtra as well as Mumbai. It was his duty to give a reply but, instead, if he talks about taking legal action against Mr Thackeray, this is an insult to the eight crore Maharashtrians,'' Mr Raut said.

Mr Raut said yesterday's editorial was written with due respect to the law and within the legal framework.

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