Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari said, “I tell people here that if Gujaratis and Rajasthanis are removed from Maharashtra, especially Mumbai and Thane, you will have no money and Mumbai will not be a financial capital.”
Mumbai: Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Saturday said there will be no money left in Mumbai and it will cease to be the financial capital of the country if Gujaratis and Rajasthanis are removed from the city. Congress criticised the Governor over his statement and demanded an apology from him.
Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Koshyari said, “I tell people here that if Gujaratis and Rajasthanis are removed from Maharashtra, especially Mumbai and Thane, you will have no money and Mumbai will not be a financial capital.” He made the statement after the naming ceremony of a chowk in Andheri, a western suburb of Mumbai. A release issued by the Raj Bhavan said Koshyari praised the contribution of Rajasthani-Marwaris and Gujarati communities in making Mumbai the financial capital of the country. The Governor said the Rajasthani-Marwari community is living in different parts of the country and also in countries like Nepal and Mauritius. “Wherever members of this community go, they not only do business, but also do acts of philanthropy by setting up schools and hospitals,” he said.
State Congress spokesman Atul Londhe slammed the Governor over his remarks, saying that they smack of his hatred for the state. He also demanded an apology from the Governor. “The progress of Mumbai and the progress of Maharashtra is due to the Marathi people living here. Mumbai has accommodated those who came outside. Mumbai has not progressed because of them. The Governor should first understand that Mumbai is in Maharashtra,” MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande. MNS leader Amol Mitkari added to it saying, “People from Maharashtra and Mumbai are efficient and competent. Marathi men have ruled over many kingdoms in the past. We are honest people who eat chutney and feed others.”