Kambara remarks: Thackeray warns of anti-Kannada backlash

Mumbai: Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray today warned of a "backlash" in Maharashtra if neighbouring Karnataka did not check those indulging in anti-Marathi activities.His comments came after Jnanpith awardee Kannada writer Chandrashekara Kambara made some "anti-Marathi" remarks. "Those ruling Karnataka should check the goondas indulging in anti-Marathi activities. Don't let a spark ignitehere," Thackeray said in an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamana.[caption id="attachment_144601" align="alignleft" width="380" caption="The Sena chief had recently demanded that the Jnanpith committee should take back the prestigious award from Kambara. Reuters"][/caption]"The Karnataka government should stop police protection to the goondas attacking Marathi. We are taking all this with restraint. However, it does not mean that this restraint stems from impotence," Thackeray said, adding, "What is needed is just a flash point".The Sena chief had recently demanded that the Jnanpith committee should take back the prestigious award from Kambara. "Kambara has said that Marathi-speaking populace in border areas (of Karnataka) was born only to create chaos. He has also said that if Marathi people in these areas want education in Marathi medium, they should move to Maharashtra," Thackeray had said."On behalf of the eight crore Marathi people in Maharashtra, we are demanding that the Jnanpith committee should take back the award from him," the Sena chief said.Thackeray reminded Kambara that lakhs of people from Karnataka were engaged in industry and business in Mumbai and rest of Maharashtra.PTI