Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar on Thursday criticized his Karnataka counterpart Laxman Savadi over his remarks that Mumbai should be made part of his state. On Wednesday Savadi demanded that Mumbai be made part of his state (Karnataka).
On that NCP senior leader cited that everyone knows that the metropolis belongs to Maharashtra and that it would always remain its part.
The NCP, which is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra, asked the BJP to come clear on Savadi’s demand.
The BJP currently rules Karnataka.
Savadi had on Wednesday said Mumbai should be made part of Karnataka and urged the Centre to declare it a Union Territory until then.
His remarks came after Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that areas dominated by Marathi-speaking people on the state’s border with Karnataka should be declared a Union Territory till the Supreme Court gives its final verdict on the issue.
Talking to reporters, Ajit Pawar said, “He (Savadi) took Mumbai”s name to appease the people of Karnataka after our chief minister (Uddhav Thackeray) made the remarks.”
“Mumbai belongs to Maharashtra. It was ours yesterday, is ours today and will be ours in the future too. Nobody can change this. Everyone knows it. Hence, there is no need to pay attention to what he said. In my opinion, he should be neglected,” Pawar cited.
“What is the relation between the demand Thackeray had made and the demand for declaring Mumbai as a Union Territory? It may be a poor attempt to appease the people of Karnataka. There is no logic in it (Savadi’s demand),” the senior NCP leader said.
