By SUNIL Sonkar

Mumabi, Feb. 01 — Home Minister P Chidambaram slams Shiv Sena’s controversial slogan “Mumbai for Marathis” on Monday saying that this type of “pernicious” thesis is to be rejected as Mumbai belongs to all of India.

Chidambaram said to the reporters, “We reject the thesis of Shiv Sena. Mumbai belongs to all of India and all Indians are free to live and work in Mumbai.”

Home Minister also added, “As a matter of policy, we reject the theses of the Shiv Sena and the MNS (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena). These are pernicious theses and they have to be rejected.”

He said that the government of Maharashtra was “competent” in handling such situation in the city after the Shiv Sena objected on Sunday to the view of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) that Mumbai is for all Indians.

Home Minister mentioned further, “If the government of Maharashtra seeks our advice, we will advise them. But I am sure they are competent to manage the situation.”