‘Bambai’ reference angers Raj
The new Maharashtra chief minister has managed to irk Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray even before his swearing-in. While speaking to news channels in Delhi, Mr Prithviraj Chavan inadvertently referred to Mumbai as “Bambai”. The MNS chief immediately announced that he would gift prayer beads to Mr Chavan for him to memorise the name Mumbai.
“When Mr Chavan comes to Mumbai, we will gift him a rosary with 108 beads so that he can recite Mumbai 108 times every day. That way, he can overcome the habit of saying Bambai,” Mr Thackeray said.
He also insisted that Mr Chavan should take his oath in Marathi. “He has spent most of his time in North India and is well-versed in Hindi. But he is originally from Maharashtra, and as its chief minister, he should take his oath in Marathi,” he said.
Welcoming Mr Chavan, Mr Thackeray said that the new chief minister has a clean image, which he should maintain. “So far, Mr Chavan has not been involved in any controversy. He must maintain this image. It is very difficult to comment on his abilities, as he is new in Maharashtra. Any opinion about him can be expressed only after giving him some time to work,” he said.
However, the MNS leader also predicted that the state Congress leaders and the NCP would make life difficult for Mr Chavan. He said, “I wish Mr Chavan luck in his new assignment. But his success will depend on the cooperation of the state Congress leaders. I don’t think the other Congress leaders in the state will allow him to settle down in the state. He should learn more about Maharashtra politics if he has to sustain here.”
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