Give jobs only to those born in Maharashtra, says MNS Chief

A file picture of MNS Chief Raj Thackeray. Photo: Vivek Bendre.

Jobs in Maharashtra should be given to only those who were born in the state, MNS chief Raj Thackeray said here on Monday.

“Just because one can write, read and speak Marathi does not entitle him to local jobs...For getting jobs in Mumbai, one has to be a Marathi by birth. Just knowledge of reading and writing the language will not do,” Raj said at a party meeting at Shanmukhananda hall in Matunga area.

Mr. Raj also criticised party members for distributing Marathi alphabet books to north Indian taxi drivers last week.

“Think over the type of protest you were undertaking. Who told you to teach them Marathi,” Mr. Raj said.

Giving them deadline of 40 days to learn the language, the transport wing of MNS had distributed Marathi alphabet books to taxi drivers last week.

Mr. Raj said he would undertake a State-wide tour from February 13. Party membership drive would be conducted after the tour, he added.