Mumbai (Maharashtra): Shiv Sena in its mouthpiece Saamana on Sunday attacked Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) leaders from Maharashtra for backing "outsiders" trying to vilify the image of Mumbai, and asked the people of the state to unite against the forces.
The editorial also questioned why the film industry was silent and Bollywood stars including Akshay Kumar did not come forward to condemn Kangana Ranaut for her statements.
"Once again the efforts to vilify the image Maharashtra's capital Mumbai has begun. These attempts are made by the 'outsiders'. But, as per tradition, the moles inside our own house are to make them stronger. In the intervening period, Mumbai was called Pakistan. BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) was referred to as 'Babar' after the Municipal Corporation took action on the illegal construction of an actress (Kangana Ranaut) who insulted Mumbai," the editorial said.
"The Maharashtra unit of BJP is standing behind the people who first compared Mumbai to Pakistan, and then to Babur, and we have to call this unfortunate," it said.
Sena said BJP is doing this under its national policy to influence the votes in the upcoming Bihar elections, but accused the local party leaders of failing to feel offended by the insult of their home state.
"It is strange that the main opposition party in Maharashtra is standing behind those who are comparing Mumbai to Pakistan and BMC to Babur's army. But they have to win the Bihar election by supporting Sushant and Kangana. This is an attempt to gain the upper class Rajput, Kshatriya votes of Bihar. It is okay if Maharashtra is insulted for that.
It will not suit those who call this policy 'national'. When Maharashtra is insulted Not a single Union minister from Maharashtra sitting in Delhi felt offended," it said.