Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday, in his first direct address to north Indians, said the conflict between them and locals will continue unless politicians in the North start working for the development of their States.

“Why don’t politicians in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar work for the development of their States? Why don’t they ensure industries are being set up there? Why don’t people of those States hold them accountable for lack of development and force their people to migrate for jobs? If politicians continue to work in this manner, there will be conflict. Not only here, but in every State,” Mr. Thackeray told a crowd of north Indians under the aegis of the Uttar Bharatiya Mahapanchayat in Kandivali.

Mr. Thackeray said he was speaking in Hindi for the first time, because he was told by the organisers that they want to show his speech to people in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. “I am not here for any clarification. I am here to express my position in Hindi so that people of those States understand my position.”

He questioned whether the people in north India have no self respect as they are being beaten and made to run away from different States. “Why do you suffer this insult? Shouldn’t you ask questions to your politicians?” he asked, citing examples of Goa, Gujarat and Assam where they were insulted or beaten by locals.

Earlier, 21 Brahmins from Banaras presented water from five holy rivers to Mr. Thackeray amid chanting of mantras. He was felicitated by Mahapanchayat president Vinay Dubey.

Pointing out that majority of Prime Ministers, including the current one, have represented Uttar Pradesh in Parliament, Mr. Thackeray asked why questions are raised when he talks about giving preference to Marathi youth in jobs.

“If an industry is set up in Maharashtra, priority has to be given to Marathi youth. If it is in Uttar Pradesh, shouldn’t local youth there get the priority?”

Reiterating that those who come from outside should respect the local language, culture and people, Mr. Thackeray alleged that outsiders are the main reason behind increasing crime in the city. “This city cannot hold more. The system is crumbling. Make your people understand that. If not, then we will be there.”

Mr. Thackeray blamed the 1995 government policy of slum rehabilitation, whereby slum dwellers were given flats ‘for free’, for the increase in migration of north Indians in Mumbai. The scheme was launched by the erstwhile Shiv Sena-BJP government.