Raj Thackeray promises campaign against outsiders

Three months after quitting Shiv Sena, Raj Thackeray on Sunday night launched his political party Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, declaring opposition to ruling Congress' policies of appeasement of minorities and a campaign against 'outsiders' from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Addressing over an estimated 1.5 lakh audience at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai, Raj also said his party would launch a campaign against people from other states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh who are trying to 'encroach upon jobs meant for Maharashtrians.'

Raj said he would not tolerate anyone coming in the way of Maharashtra's interest and pride. Interestingly, Shiv Sena, which Raj had quit on December 18 last year, was also formed on the same ground in 1966 by his uncle Bal Thackeray and so was the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party in 1999.

Raj said MNS would contest all elections in Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections slated next year. The party would also oppose attempts to de-reserve plots in Mumbai reserved for public amenities, he added.