Political class rallies against Raj, MNS

New Delhi: The political class cutting across ideological spectrum on Monday demanded stern action against breakaway Shiv Sena leader Raj Thackeray and his marauding party activists targeting North Indians in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.

Congress said Thackeray's stand against communities in general and Biharis in particular was against the very concept of India.

"We cannot divide India as these parties are trying to do into narrow walls of obscurantism and intolerance. This is a divisive agenda not only of Raj Thackeray and his party but also of his mentor and teacher Bal Thackeray and Shiv Sena," AICC spokesman Abhishek Singhvi told reporters in Delhi.

"Vandalism and violation of law and order by activists of Raj Thackeray's party and support by Shiv Sena is condemnable and totally unjustifiable," Singhvi said.

BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad also condemned the attacks on North Indians in Mumbai and asked Maharasthra government to take stern action against those who indulged in violence.

Without naming Raj or his Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, he denounced the "rabid violence designed to destroy social cohesion and harmony" in Maharashtra.

"For petty political gains, this kind of activities cannot be permitted at all. We urge the Maharasthra government to take strong measures to bring the guilty to

book," Prasad said.

Prasad said though local sentiments neeed to be taken into consideration, the identity of India was important. Terming the attacks on North Indians as "a result of the propaganda and statements directed against Hindi-speaking people living in Mumbai by a parochial political outfit," CPI(M) sought firm steps against "chauvinist elements" and protection of the life and property of people.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP chief Mayawati accused the Maharashtra government of having failed to check attacks on north Indians and demanded central intervention to protect their lives and properties in the state in the wake of MNS targeting them.

"The Maharashtra government should have taken steps in time to check the attacks on the north Indians living in the state but it has failed to do so," Mayawati told reporters in Lucknow.

"The Centre should now intervene and ensure protection to north Indians," she said.

Bihar's main opposition RJD demanded a case of sedition be lodged against Raj and his supporters.

State RJD President Abdul Bari Siddiqui also demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh convene an emergency meeting of the National Integration Council to discuss the situation arising out of a wave of violent incidents following Thackeray's remarks.

Siddiqui said chief ministers of Hindi-speaking states should call meetings to deliberate on the developments in the aftermath of Thackeray's statement, but clarified that RJD favoured peaceful and non-violent agitations.

Janata Dal (United) President Sharad Yadav demanded adequate security be provided to North Indians and asked the administration to prevent violence in future.