RJD MPs demand Raj Thackeray's arrest

NEW DELHI: Members of the Lok Sabha on Wednesday demanded the arrest of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray for holding out threats to Biharis living in Maharashtra.

Raising the issue during the zero hour, Devendra Prasad Yadav (RJD) said the statement could arouse passions and disturb harmony. Terming the statement 'very shameful' and deplorable Yadav demanded its immediate withdrawal and the arrest of the MNS leader.

Yadav said an Indian citizen had a right to earn his livelihood honourably by migrating to any state in the country.

Biharis, too, had made their contribution in making Mumbai prosperous which could not be ignored, he said.

Speaker Somnath Chatterjee observed, "I am sure no one would encourage such parochialism."

Ram Kripal Yadav (RJD) associating with Davendra Prasad Yadav (RJD) said Biharis who migrated in search of jobs were being 'humiliated and even killed'.

"Even those going out of their state to appear in competitive examinations were being thrashed," he alleged.

Describing that Raj Thackeray's statement is against the unity of the country, he demanded his arrest.

Intervening in the matter, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs PR Dasmunsi said he would convey the sentiments of the members on the issue to the concerned state government.