Jobs only for those born in state: Raj Thackeray

Only those who are born in Maharashtra should get jobs in the state and not those who can speak or write Marathi, MNS chief Raj Thackeray said on Monday.

“Just because one can write, read, and speak Marathi does not entitle him/her to local jobs,” he said. “For getting a job in Maharashtra, one should be a Marathi by birth. Knowledge of reading and writing the language will not do.”

Thackeray was addressing party officials at the Shanmukhananda Hall in Matunga.

He admonished workers of the party’s transport wing for distributing Marathi books to North Indian taxi drivers so that they can learn the language. “You should not do anything against the party’s policies,” he said. “If you teach them Marathi, they will open Marathi schools in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and claim jobs in Maharashtra. What will then happen to the local people?”

The MNS chief announced that he would start a tour of the state from February 13. “I will examine your (officials) performance,” he said. “I am not saying everyone has become lethargic. But one cannot hold big posts in the party if one is not concerned about peoples’ problems.”