Date:11/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/11/stories/2008091161021400.htm

National

Alva speaks to Deshmukh

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Concerned at the language row in Maharashtra, the Congress on Wednesday directed Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to ensure that the life and property of non-Marathi people were protected.

Reacting to reports about violence by supporters of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena following Jaya Bachchan’s comment on Hindi, Congress general secretary Margaret Alva said she had spoken to the Chief Minister.

Mr. Deshmukh told her that a number of activists had been arrested and the situation was under control.

Ms. Alva said she later briefed party president Sonia Gandhi.

Ms. Alva, in-charge of party affairs in Maharashtra, said the development was unfortunate. Some political parties were attempting to divide the State on the basis of language. This was being done with an eye on elections. “Mumbai has always been home to people from all over the country and anyone who tries to destroy this ethos is trying to destroy Mumbai.”