Maharashtra Governor S C Jamir has said that maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the state government and outsiders have no reason to interfere in the internal matters of the state and have no right to defame Maharashtra.
Jamir's statement came during an interaction with a delegation led by Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, which met him to express their views on the violence against north Indians.
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"Maharashtra is the cradle of Indian nationalism and is one of the most progressive states in the country," a Raj Bhawan spokesperson quoted Jamir as telling the delegation at Raj Bhawan on November 12.
Jamir's statement assumes significance in the backdrop of campaign by north Indian leaders following Maharashtra Navnirman Sena-led violence against north Indians, which included killing of a Bihari youth in a Mumbai bus and lynching of a Uttar Pradesh worker in a train.
Raj Thackeray should revisit his past
The governor's comment came after Deshmukh told him that Maharashtra is known for its great tradition of tolerance, progressive reforms and cosmopolitan culture.
It is unfortunate that efforts have been made in the last few weeks by leaders of some states to create a wrong impression regarding Maharashtra, the chief minister told the governor.
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Jamir assured the delegation that he would convey their sentiments to President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The delegation included Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, state Congress chief Manikrao Thakre, Irrigation
Minister Ajit Pawar, Peasants and Workers Party leader Ganpatrao Deshmukh, Janata Dal- Secular leader Mrinal Gore, city Congress chief Kripashankar Singh, city Nationalist Congress Party chief Sachin Ahir and Republican Party of India (Gavai) leader Sandeep Gavai. The Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party did not join the delegation.