The controversy over Pramod Mahajan's alleged anti-Bihar remarks found its echo in New Delhi Saturday with people from the state holding a protest demonstration and demanding an apology from the Bharatiya Janata Party leader.
Several people, under the aegis of Bihari Front, held a demonstration in New Delhi and burned Mahajan's effigy, terming his statement an attack on the sensibilites of the people of Bihar.
Addressing the gathering, Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam said Mahajan's "provocative" comments have hurt the feelings of people of Bihar and demanded that he withdraw the statement and apologise immediately.
"There is anger among the people. How can he draw parallel between Biharis and Africans. Are they not part of his country," Nirupam, who recently quit Shiv Sena to join Congress, asked.
He said Mahajan and his party had travelled across Bihar seeking votes in the just-concluded assembly elections and now after gaining power, they have developed a hatred towards the state and its people.
Mahajan had remarked that those who have come to Mumbai from other countries and states for study "should not indulge in 'dadagiri' and concentrate only on studies".
After his comments created a furore, he Friday said his statement has been "deliberately misinterpreted".