BJP condemns attacks on Biharis in Mumbai

The Bhartiya Janata Party has condemned the attack on Biharis working in various parts of Mumbai by the followers of Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.

"We condemn in unequivocal terms the attack on the Biharis. Under the constitution of India, they have a right to settle down anywhere in the country and earn their livelihood," BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

He, however, did not name Raj Thackeray in his statement. "The statement on Chaat Pooja was also not right. At the same time, I would request our brothers from Bihar to keep the local sentiments in mind," he added.

Commenting on external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee's statement that India would be isolated if it does not sign the India-United States civil nuclear deal, Prasad said, "Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh takes a different stand on the nuclear deal, saying that this would not be the end of the road and Mukherjee said that we stand to get isolated. Shall I believe the Prime Minister or his minister? The Congress must end this comical farce," he said.

He made it clear that BJP stands on its commitment of not signing the deal, as it was a question of national sentiment. "Vajpayee's government chose to face sanctions rather than bow down and sign the non-proliferation treaty after India's Pokharan II nuclear test," he added.