Want to speak Hindi? Go back to UP: Raj Thackerey

Before Maharashtra Assembly commence its first session of Legislature, a political debate has started between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and its rival Samajwadi Party (SP) with the SP MLA Abu Asim Azmi demanding the House agenda in Hindi.

"Hindi is our national language and it should come after Marathi. However, the House agenda and other papers are in Marathi and English. So, I wrote to the Assembly secretary demanding the agenda in Hindi," Azmi, who was elected from Mankhurd in central Mumbai and Bhiwandi in Thane district told PTI.

Furious over Azmi's demand, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, known for his anti-north Indian campaign, said "if Azmi wants the House agenda in Hindi, then he should go to Uttar Pradesh."

Thirteen candidates of MNS have been elected to the Assembly while 11 of the Republican Left Democratic Front (RLDF), which also includes SP, have been elected.

Reacting to Raj's statement, Azmi said "I have nothing against Marathi. I respect the language. But Raj Thackeray does not object to a foreign language, English being used in Assembly."

Asked if he would learn Marathi, as he has been elected from two constituencies in Maharashtra, Azmi said "yes."

with PTI inputs