Undeterred with the massive controversy on his earlier remark that UP-Bihar people make away with jobs in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Kamal Nath here on Wednesday stuck to his statement when asked about his contentious comments.
After reviewing the functioning of police at Police Headquarters in Bhopal on Wednesday, Nath was talking to media persons. When asked to comment on his remarks that snowballed into a major political controversy, Nath said that he stands by his stance that locals would be preferred while offering jobs in Madhya Pradesh.
“Other states including Gujarat also apply the same rule while offering employment,” contested Nath.
Several opposition parties especially Bharatiya Janata Party had turned on offensive over the statement accusing Nath of indulging in ‘divisive politics’ and working against the sentiments of the federal structure of the constitution.
The statement had evoked angry responses from the leaders of UP and Bihar.
Even Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, a potential ally of Mahagathbandhan reacted angrily to the anti-migrant pitch from Nath.
“"This is wrong. In Maharashtra, you hear questions like why have north Indians come here. Why are north Indians doing business here? The same questions come from Delhi. Now this is coming from Madhya Pradesh. If north Indians get together and decide then who will come to the center," Akhilesh Yadav had said.