Attacking Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray for his criticism of Sachin Tendulkar's "Mumbai for all" remark, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar today said the cricket icon had further lifted "the image and prestige of the country" by saying so.
   
"We acclaim Sachin for his remark which has lifted the image and prestige of India further," Kumar told reporters at "Janata Darbar" programme here.  "Sachin's statement has been made in true sportsman spirit. His talk of being Indian first will unite the entire country," he said.

Kumar felt the indulgence of the Sena supremo or MNS leader Raj Thackeray might get them "political gain for the time being, but it will prove suicidal for them in long-term."