In a charm offensive after the controversy stoked by MNS leader Raj Thackeray over his visit, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said that being a Bihari did not mean taking an “anti-Maharashtra” stand and people from his home state were not a burden on anyone.
Beginning his speech in Marathi at a function organised in Mumbai to mark the centenary of the foundation of Bihar state, Kumar said “Marathi is such a sweet language. People of Maharashtra are so good” and invited the people of the state to Bihar.”You have the knowledge and the skills and celebrate Maharashtra day in Bihar,” he said. “I don’t understand why problems arise sometimes.We are all Indians and together have to work for the progress and development of our country, as there are so many pressing issues facing us today.””Mumbai is a part of India and each and every Indian is proud ot if,” he said.
A war of words had erupted betwen Thackeray and Kumar after MNS threatened to disrupt Bihar’s centenary celebrations to be attended by the chief minister here. Reacting sharply to MNS’ stand, Kumar had said no one could stop him from attending the event and he did not require a “visa” to travel to Mumbai.
However, in a climbdown Thackeray later said he has no objection to the celebrations following an assurance from Kumar over phone that the event has no political agenda.
“People from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh are not a burden on anyone. In fact, they share the burden of their adopted city and state, while contributing to the progress and development of that region,” Kumar said.
Kumar said Bihar and Maharashtra had a lot in common. “Both the states are the lands of saints and progressive thinkers, social reformers,” he said referring to his state as the land of Lord Buddha, Mahavir, Aryabhatta and Chankaya. He said leaders from Maharashtra Dr B R Ambedkar, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Phule were national icons