Derecognise MNS as political party: RJD

New Delhi, Oct 24 (IANS) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MPs Friday asked the Election Commission to de-recognise the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) as a political party following its attacks on north Indians during a railway recruitment examination in Mumbai on Sunday.

"We the members of RJD, strongly urge the Hon'ble Commission to take immediate action for cancellation of registration of MNS for its unconstitutional activities and debar it from contesting elections so that the unity and integrity of our country can be protected," read a statement released by RJD MPs.

The RJD blamed MNS chief Raj Thackeray for inciting violence against non-Maharashtrians, particularly people from Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand.

"Raj Thackeray has also hurt the sentiments of north Indians by passing derogatory remarks regarding their religious festivals such as Chhath Puja, the most sacred festival of Bihar and eastern UP," MPs said in the statement.

On Oct 18, MNS workers attacked non-Maharashtrians, particularly those from Bihar, appearing for a railway recruitment examination in Mumbai. Youths who returned to Bihar Tuesday alleged that a candidate, Pawan Kumar, was killed by MNS activists in Mumbai.

On Thursday, an all-party meet called by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar decided to send a delegation to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

In the Lok Sabha, the RJD and Ram Vilas Paswan led-Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) have been demanding strong action against Raj Thackeray, bringing the house to a halt.