BJP Mumbai targets MNS over student suicide, urges end to “linguistic and religious politics”

BJP leader Ameet Satam and others in the protest. PIC/SHADAB KHAN

The BJP Mumbai on Saturday launched a veiled attack on Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Referring to the recent incident of a 19-year-old student who ended his life, city BJP president Ameet Satam claimed that at least now, those who indulge in linguistic and religious politics should stop spreading hatred in the society.

"Some political parties and their leadersare creating a divide among society. This needs to be stopped," Satam said while speaking to the media. The BJP Mumbai president, in a veiled reference to Thackeray cousins Uddhav and Raj, said, "Attempts have been made to disturb the social fabric of Mumbai."

The Mumbai BJP had organised a "Pray for Wisdom" at the late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray memorial in Dadar. Last week, a 19-year-old student died by suicide after allegedly being beaten up for speaking Hindi on a Central Railway train. According to reports, he had had a minor argument with a group of passengers over a language issue. That episode is said to be the reason for the student going into depression, and taking his life.

Meanwhile, on Saturday evening, Mumbai Congress workers protested against Satam's office for using offensive language against their party leader and MLA from Malad assembly constituency, Aslam Sheikh.