Mumbai is not Raj Thackeray's legacy, says Ram Kripal Yadav

Patna, Apr 13 (ANI): Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Ram Kripal Yadav on Friday hit out at Raj Thackeray for telling Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar not to celebrate 'Bihar Divas' in Mumbai, saying such statements of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief encourages hatred among the people.

Yadav, who is the Rajya Sabha M.P. from Bihar, said Mumbai is not the 'legacy of Thackeray', and added that his statements must not worry the people of Bihar.

"It is not a political function. Bihar has completed its 100 years and to mark this occasion, the people there (in Mumbai) are celebrating it. It is not the legacy of Raj Thackeray that he continues making such unpleasing statements and encourages hatred among the people," said Yadav.

"The comments of Thackeray are dividing the country. He had earlier also come into limelight through such statements. Whenever election approaches, he makes such unpleasing statements to gain popularity and as a result spreads hatred," he added.

Yadav also demanded that Thackeray must be put behind bars for his comments that aimed at dividing the people of the country.

"I believe that the Bihar Divas should be celebrated there very robustly and the chief minister should attend the event. Raj Thackeray should be arrested immediately. And I believe that people spreading so much hatred and dislike should not be allowed to roam freely," said Yadav.

"Raj Thackeray is indulging in intimidation. The people of Bihar and the Chief Minister in particular should not get worried by his threat and put forward the views strongly on the occasion of Bihar Divas, which will be celebrated," he added.

He said that there may be political differences between the various political outfits in the state, but the people of the state are united for the cause of Bihar.

"I admit there is political difference. But as far as the unity of Bihar is concerned, we are all one and anyone's warnings or intimidation will not affect us," he said.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray had earlier on Thursday dared Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to celebrate "Bihar Divas" in Mumbai.

"I thought that Nitish Kumar was a nice person who was developing his state," he said, while addressing a rally at Idgah maidan at Malegaon.

Referring to the Bihar Chief Minister's statement that he does not need a visa to come to Mumbai, Thackeray said: "Let us see how he (Nitish) celebrates Bihar Din in Mumbai." (ANI)