Raj Thackeray threatens Maharashtra minister in public

Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Tuesday publicly threatened the family of the state's Home Minister and NCP leader RR Patil as he addressed his supporters at a rally at Kolhapur in Maharashtra, media reports said.

The state police was also present in the rally before which Thackeray openly threatened to harm Patil's family if he comes in the way of MNS workers' interest.

"When my workers are trying to set up offices you threaten us," he said addressing to Patil.

"Your workers threaten my workers and their families. I am saying this in front of you (people) and police. If you threaten in the future and stop us from setting up offices, I will also threaten your family. I don't like theatrics. If someone threatens you (crowd) smash him and move forward," his speech was quoted as saying on NDTV.

Deterring some 89 cases registered against him across the country for his anti-migrant speeches against north Indians, Thackeray said he will continue to raise his voice in the interest of the Marathi people.

"Raj Thackeray will continue speaking in the interest of Marathi people whether the government likes it or not. There are 89 cases against me in and outside Maharashtra. Only 11 short of a century. But you cannot stop me. Whatever I see in front of me, I will continue saying that. You can file cases against me but I will not pay attention," he claimed.

Reacting on the issue, NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said the home minister of the state is one who takes action against those who threaten people and not acts as one who himself threatens anyone.