Raj Thackeray keeps agitation on hold in Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 28 (UNI) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray today said Marathi signboards had become quite visible in the Metropolis and this was a victory for his organisation despite the High Court restraining his activists from continuing with the agitation.

Addressing a press conference at his Rajgad office in Dadar area of the city, Mr Tahckeray said MNS was keeping an eye on use of Marathi language on boards of establishments. ''If they revert to use of other languages, then MNS would act,'' he said.

He said his party would now concentrate on Marathi use in Thane and Pune, the predominantly Marathi towns, where Marathi is finding a secondary position.

He condemned arrest and prohibitory orders slapped on MNS workers by police, saying it was a foolish action.

Mr Thackeray asked the government to act against Vren Shah, who has challenged the use of Marathi on signboards. He said this was an old act and onus to implement the same, lies with the government.

The MNS chief criticised Shiv Sena, saying that they were in power in BMC for so many years but when MNS took up the issue they are acting now. He said ''It is surprising that BJP could not find a Marathi president for its Mumbai unit''.

''Why should Marathi people lead a fearful life in their own state,'' he asked.

UNI XR OBB PD KP2025