Mulayam, Joshi condemn death of UP youth in MNS attack

Lucknow, Oct 29 (UNI) Prominent political leaders naming Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav and Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Reeta Bahuguna Joshi have condemned the killing of a youth from Sant Kabirnagar in an attack by the Raj Thackeray led-MNS in Mumbai.

Strongly criticising the incident while addressing newspersons in Etawah district, Mr Yadav today said the Congress government in Maharashtra has given excess freedom to Mr Thackeray and its party, which has resulted in such attacks.

It seems the Congress was fulfilling its desire of not loosing the power in Maharashtra behind the curtain, he alleged.

'' I have always been against such parties that attempt to gain political mileage in the name of regionalism,'' the SP chief asserted, adding, ''a country can not be divided over sensitive issues like regionalism, language and religion. Therefore, I seek an immediate ban upon such parties,'' Mr Yadav asked.

Warning severe consequences, he said the MNS should have been banned prior only when its activists had attacked upon the SP rally in Maharashtra.

''Death of Dharmendra Rai of the hands of MNS activists at a local train in Mumbai yesterday is an act full of shame,'' Mr Yadav maintained.

Congress state president Reeta Bahuguna Joshi, meanwhile, said the Maharashtra government should ensure the lives and property of the North Indians as such incidents pose a threat to both the national integrity and internal security of the country.

The situation could still be controlled, if the Maharashtra government opens its eyes, Ms Joshi uttered soon after extending her sympathy to the bereaved family.

UNI JAS SP HT1755