The war of words continues between RSS and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra over Shiv Sena’s Sena’s aggressive “Marathi manoos” credo.  RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat  called on RSS volunteers to protect north Indians from any bodily harm from the Sena’s aggressive campaign. Later on Sunday Shiv Sena said RSS must remember that priority should be accorded to Marathi speakers in Mumbai.

Latest episode of the dialogue has been started after Ashok Chawan, the congress chief minister in Maharashtra said that only those who are fluent in Marathi and have lived in Mumbai for 15 years can only apply for permits in city.

Responding to RSS’s remarks, Shiv Sena leader and former CM Manohar Joshi said, “The time has come to remind RSS that Mumbai belongs to Marathi people only and they should get priority here. Mumbai’s glory was due to the hard work of Marathi people and they have full rights over the city” Later Shiv Sena president, Uddhav Thackeray said, “RSS should not intervene in Mumbai’s affairs. Shiv Sena saved Hindi people in Mumbai riots. Then, RSS did not act. If they are so fond of Hindi, they should teach it in South India. They should act to stop North Indians being targeted in Assam.”

Now it will be difficult for BJP to go against RSS line as clearly stated by its President Nitin Gadkari “It has been the consistent stand of the BJP. Under Article 19 (1E), all Indians shall have the right to reside and settle anywhere in India. Everyone in India is supposed to obey the constitution, but we understand that in every state there is one language, one culture – we respect that too. At the same time, there is no conflict between national spirit and state spirit.”