Maharashtra govt must act against Raj Thackeray: Mayawati

New Delhi: Seeking strong action against MNS chief Raj Thackeray for his comments against people of Bihar, Bahujan Samaj Party today accused the Maharashtra government of taking a "lenient view" of such incidents.

"The situation in Maharashtra is so because the state government is not been able to take strict action against such acts (of Raj Thackeray). The day strong action will be taken, on that day itself his irresponsible statements against UP or Bihar people will stop," BSP chief Mayawati told reporters outside Parliament.

Raj Thackeray at the MNS rally. Parag Shinde/ Firstpost

Known for his stand against people from Bihar who go to Maharashtra, specially Mumbai, to seek employment, Thackeray had last week threatened to brand them as infiltrators.

On Thackeray's reported threat to media, she said "Raj Thackeray should not use such language for media. All this is happening because the state's lenient views towards these issues. State government should take strict action under the law against Raj Thackeray."

Going a step ahead, RJD leader Ram Kirpal Yadav said, "There is no difference between terrorists and these people. Their language is same like terrorists. So the law applicable against terrorists should be used against them also."

The RJD leader said, "There is no difference between Raj Thackeray and Bal Thackeray. Government should take action against these people who are spreading hatred in society."

Naresh Aggarwal of SP also condemned the statement of Thackeray.

"We had given a notice in the House today for suspension of question hour for taking the issue of Raj Thackeray. Just for his own little ambition he wants to divide the society in the name of region and SP strongly condemns it," he said.

Congress leader Jagadambika Pal also flayed Thackeray for his "attempt to create divide in the society".