The Hindu : National : Raj vows to thwart U.P. celebrations

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Raj vows to thwart U.P. celebrations

Mumbai: Maintaining his tough stand towards north Indians, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray has vowed not to allow the celebration of Uttar Pradesh Day.

“No programme like Uttar Pradesh Day, which shows north Indian’s political goondaism will be allowed to take place here.... We will first request them with folded hands. If that does not work, we will face them with open hands,” Mr. Thackeray said in an interview to Marathi weekly Lokprabha.

Mr. Thackeray praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati for naming towns in her State after Dalit leaders from Maharashtra.

To a query why he never objected to Ms. Mayawati holding a rally in Mumbai last year, he said: “Mayawati named towns in her State after King Shahu, Jyotiba Phule, Dr. Ambedkar. All the three were social reformers from Maharashtra. She took them to Uttar Pradesh.”

“I respect those who respect Marathi culture. I am opposed to those who aim to destroy Marathi culture,” he said. — PTI

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