Maharashtra CM lashes out at Lalu, Amar Singh

New Delhi, Nov 2 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today hit out at UPA allies from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, who criticised his government over the handling of the recent situation in the state and said it was wrong on their part to criticise law and order in Maharashtra.

Mr Deshmukh, who has been under fire for not being able to control attacks against North Indians in his state, rubbished Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh's description of Maharashtra as a 'banana republic,' and said Mr Singh often had no control over his words.

He also described MNS Chief Raj Thackeray as a day-dreamer and said if given a chance to talk to Mr Thackeray, he would ask him to exercise restraint and understand the culture of Maharashtra.

''Somebody can dream anything. There are people who are day-dreamers and he would be one of them,'' Mr Deshmukh told NDTV.

The Chief Minister said Mr Singh did not always speak the truth and Mr Lalu Prasad must find out ground realities before making any statements.

Admitting that there had been incidents, Mr Deshmukh said his government had taken strong action against them. ''This is not something that happened for the first time in the state,'' he said.

Commenting on demands for his resignation he said there was no question of giving up his post. He added if he were to resign, it would mean running away from his duties.

On speculation over his future and how these had hampered the functioning of his administration, the Chief Minister said ''Any uncertainty created will certainly have its own impact on administration. Somehow I could manage.'' UNI RB RJ AS2128