Mumbai, May 30: Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray today warned that misinterpretation of the sons-of-the-soil policy could prove detrimental for the country as it could create differences among various states. Thackeray's statement carried in the party mouthpiece 'Saamna' here came as reports in a section of media claimed that the Sena unit of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh has asked Maharashtrians to leave the historical city within 48 hours or "face consequences".

The Sena sources said the party's Varanasi unit has not given any such ultimatum but statements to this effect has been made by Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party leaders.

"Those issuing such diktats have not understood our position over sons-of-the-soil policy", Thackeray said as a section of media reported that the Sena's "Mee Mumbaikar" campaign against burgeoning influx into the metropolis has boomeranged with the Maharashtrians being asked to leave Varanasi.

Thackeray said people of Varanasi must fight against the growing influx to their city and make attempts to provide justice to the sons-of-the-soil theory but should not indulge in creating differences between two states.

The reaction in Varanasi came after the Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray launched with renewed zeal the party's "Mee Mumbaikar" campaign and party activists recently protested against recruitment of "outsiders" in Air India and Railways.

Bureau Report