'Maharashtra will have no money left if...': Governor Koshyari's speech sparks row

Mumbai, July 30: Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has kicked up a row, saying that there will be no money left in Mumbai and it will cease to be the financial capital of the country if Gujaratis and Rajasthanis are removed from the city.

Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Koshyari said, "I tell people here that if Gujaratis and Rajasthanis are removed from Maharashtra, especially Mumbai and Thane, you will have no money and Mumbai will not be a financial capital."

He made the statement after the naming ceremony of a chowk in Andheri, a western suburb of Mumbai.

A release issued by the Raj Bhavan said Koshyari praised the contribution of Rajasthani-Marwari and Gujarati communities in making Mumbai the financial capital of the country.

The governor said the Rajasthani-Marwari community is living in different parts of the country and also in countries like Nepal and Mauritius.

"Wherever members of this community go, they not only do business but also do acts of philanthropy by creating schools, hospitals," he said.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has condemned Governor BS Koshyari's speech.

"As soon as BJP sponsored Chief Minister in Maharashtra, the insult of Marathi people began," Raut tweeted, while asking CM Shinde to "at least condemn the Governor."

The Congress also criticised the governor over his statement and demanded an apology from him.

State Congress spokesman Atul Londhe slammed the governor over his remarks, saying that they smack of his hatred for the state. He also demanded an apology from the governor.