Rejecting charges that the Centre had not acted effectively to bring the situation in Maharashtra under control, Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Tuesday said at least three advisories have been sent to the state government in the wake of attacks on north Indians.
Responding to concerns raised during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha over the spate of attacks, Patil said, "We have issued three advisories to the state government.We have expressed our anguish and anger and I have also personally talked to the chief minister on the issue."
"Anyone from any part of the country can work and live anywhere. No one can stop them. What has happened, should not happen in Maharashtra or anywhere. That is as it should be," Patil added.
Not satisfied with the home minister's reply on the issue, the opposition staged a walkout after which Deputy Chairman K Rehman Khan adjourned the House for an hour.
The opposition insisted that Patil should clarify if the advisories have been issued under Article 355 and also tell the House the dates on which the letters were sent to the state government.
"When we issue advisories to the states we do not specify that it is under Article 355 or any other article. It asks the government to take appropriate action failing which the Centre would be forced to use further provisions under the law," Patil said.
"The letters issued are dated 19th, 20th, and 21st," he added.
"We do not subscribe to the idea of divisive politics. I also do not doubt that the state government lacks any intention to curb such elements," Patil said.
There was a heated debate during Zero Hour with Marxist MP Brinda Karat taking a lead in accusing the Maharahtra government of failing to deal with the violence unleashed on hapless Biharis and other north Indians who had gone to Mumbai to take part in a railway recruitment exam.
Patil rejected the theory that entire Maharashtra was against non-Maharashtrians. "On the contrary they are hospitable," Patil said.
Additional Reportage: PTI
