Sonia condemns anti-North Indian campaign in Maharashtra

Agencies Posted: May 13, 2008 at 2011 hrs
New Delhi, May 13: Condemning the anti-North Indian campaign in Congress-ruled Maharashtra, party President Sonia Gandhi has termed it as “opportunist bigoted provincialism” and asked those in authority to ensure the security and safety of the people.

“In recent times, there have been violent manifestations of opportunist bigoted provincialism. This is for petty political gains,” Gandhi said in the latest issue of the party mouthpiece Congress Sandesh.

Her apparent reference was to the anti-North Indian remarks made by the leaders of Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.

“In a democracy, governed by rule of the law, each Indian has a total freedom to move within and work anywhere in the country,” Gandhi said.

She said no one has a right to displace anyone just because he or she does not belong to a region.

“It is the responsibility of those in authority to ensure the security and safety of everyone,” Gandhi said.