PUNE, India, 12 May 2008 — Shiv Sena legislator and president of the party’s women’s wing Neelam Gorhe has described Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s present role as an effort to divide Maharashtrian votes.
Speaking at a news conference here yesterday, Gorhe stressed the fact that the Marathi cause had always been propagated by the Shiv Sena and not by the MNS. When asked about Raj’s rallies attracting huge crowds, Gorhe said that a large crowd did not necessarily translate into votes.
The Sena leader however, withheld comment on whether action should be taken against Raj who continues his tirade against north Indians in his speeches, the most recent being last week. “I would have to go through the speech content,” she said.
Raj fired another salvo at north Indians when he said voting rights of the migrants in Maharashtra should be withdrawn.
