Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday criticised Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Saturday for his comments on Mumbai, stating that the Governor went too far by disparaging "Marathi Manoos" and Marathi pride, news agency ANI reported.
On Friday, the Governor of Maharashtra caused a stir by claiming that if Gujaratis and Rajasthanis were removed from the state, it would no longer be the financial centre of India.
He was speaking at a ceremony to honour the late Shantidevi Champalalji Kothari.
He lauded the Marwari Gujarati community and claimed that everywhere they go, they help to develop the area by building hospitals, schools, and other facilities.
Slamming Governor for creating division within the society, Uddhav Thackeray said, "I do not want to insult someone sitting on the post of Governor. I respect the chair but Bhagat Singh Koshyari insulted Marathis and there is anger among the people. Governor is trying to divide the society on religion, he is crossing every limit."
"Bhagat Singh Koshyari, as the Governor of Maharashtra, enjoyed everything in Maharashtra in the last 2.5 years. He enjoyed Maharashtrian cuisine, now the time has come that he should see Kolhapuri chappal," he said.
ALSO READ | Another Blow To Uddhav Thackarey, Shiv Sena Deputy Leader Arjun Khotkar Joins Eknath Shinde Camp
He sought an apology from the Governor and stated that the administration should determine whether he should be returned home or imprisoned.
When he was combating the COVID-19 virus and people were dying, the governor wanted places of religious worship restored, according to the former Maharashtra chief minister.
''Koshyari did not approve the 12 names from the governor's quota for the Maharashtra Legislative Council. He also made derogatory remarks against social reformer Savitribai Phule,'' Thackeray alleged.
In response to the preceding incident, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday criticised Governor Koshyari's remarks and requested Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to at least denounce the Governor's remarks.
"The Marathi man gets insulted as soon as a BJP-sponsored chief minister is in power. CM Shinde, at least condemn the Governor. This is an insult to Marathi hard-working people," Raut tweeted.
The Maharashtra Congress chief, Nana Patole, has condemned Koshyari's statements.
"He should apologise to the public. He should be removed from his position with immediate effect," he added.
(With Inputs From ANI)