Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray, who has a history of courting controversies related to the ‘Marathi Manoos’ issue, on Wednesady urged party workers to burn newly-registered auto rickshaws driven by non-Maharashtrians.
“If you come across a new rickshaw or a rikshaw with a new number plate, ask passengers and driver to move out and set it ablaze,” Thackeray said.
He also accused the BJP government of showing favors to Rahul Bajaj, Chairman of Bajaj Auto Limited.
Raj claimed that around 70 per cent of those given new permits are non-Marathi and demanded that only sons of the soil should be given licences.
“The government has done away with norms like asking for a domicile certificate and a letter from the CID before handing out auto permits to those seeking it, so that they can anyhow grant 70,000 permits in the coming days,” Thackeray said.
“Bajaj Auto has made 70000 auto rickshaw that are ready to hit the road. Bajaj Auto is set to make a whopping Rs 1,190 crore from it. This is being done as a favor to Mr. Rahul Bajaj. If this is happening, what is the difference between you (Devendra Fadnavis) and the Congress?,” he said.
“We speak our heart out for Marathi people. Maharshtrians should be given permits for Rikshaw. How can the outsiders get permits? If you come across a new rickshaw or a rikshaw a new number plate, ask passengers and driver to move out and set it ablaze,” Thackeray said.
The Congress Party on Thursday slammed (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray over his remarks saying that there is a competition among leaders in the state to portray themselves as true representatives of Marathas.
Congress leader PL Punia dubbed Thackeray’s remarks as ‘irresponsible’ and criticised him for speaking ill against his fellow Indians.
