Patna/Mumbai, February 2, 2010 (The Hindu) - The war of words between Rahul Gandhi and the Shiv Sena over the Mumbai migrant issue intensified on Tuesday with the Congress leader asserting that India is for all Indians and Uddhav Thackeray accusing him of insulting Marathi policemen who were killed in the 26/11 attacks.

“India belongs to Indians. Every part of India belongs to every Indian. I am not interested in the views of Bal Thackeray or (MNS chief) Raj Thackeray,” Mr. Gandhi said adding he was not going to remain silent.

“In Mumbai (during the terror attacks), men in the NSG were from Bihar, UP, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra. At that time they (Sena) did not say that those from Bihar and UP should be taken out. India has to move forward and all have to be taken forward,” he said addressing a press conference here.

Uddhav hits back

In Mumbai, Mr. Thackeray, the Shiv Sena Executive President hit back at the Congress leader saying, “Rahul Gandhi has insulted the bravery of martyrs like Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte, Vijay Salaskar, Tukaram Omble, all daring Marathi policemen, and NSG Major Sandeep Unnikrishan.”

“Where was Rahul Gandhi when Mumbai was attacked,” Mr. Thackeray was quoted as saying in Sena mouthpiece Saamna

Mr. Thackeray said he condemned the “anti-Marathi” statement of Mr. Gandhi.

Mr. Gandhi said, “People have a right to go anywhere. I am not going to remain silent and stop people of UP and Bihar from going to Maharashtra.”

Campaign

Coming out strongly against the campaign that people hailing from UP and Bihar have no place in Maharashtra, Mr. Gandhi said, “Those who indulge in violence will be dealt with strictly by the Maharashtra Government.

“Strict action will be taken and action is being taken,” he said.

Mr. Gandhi had yesterday blasted Shiv Sena and the Raj Thackeray-led MNS for their constant tirade against North Indians and had reminded them that the NSG men who vanquished Pakistani terrorists during the Mumbai attacks were from Bhiar, UP and other places.

Taking a swipe at the two Sena outfits, he had said, “If terrorists have to be fought with, let Biharis remain there.”

“In Maharashtra, MNS leader Raj Thackeray keeps on saying throw out people of Bihar and UP. But, who killed the terrorists who had attacked Mumbai? They were the NSG guys from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and from the rest of the country. At that time they did not say throw away Biharis,” he said.