Thackeray's MNS now warns SBI not to recruit 'outsiders' - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has warned the State Bank of India (SBI) not to recruit any "outsiders" during Sunday's exams in which the bank will recruit for 1100 vacancies. In a warning letter written by MNS leader Bala Nandgangkar, the party has demanded that only Maharashtrians or those living in the state be allowed to take the exam for the Maharashtra openings. So far, the SBI has not alerted the police to the MNS threat. Himanshu Roy, a Joint Commissioner of the Mumbai Police, said the police will discuss the issue with the bank to ensure that Sunday's exams "are conducted smoothly." In the recent Maharashtra assembly elections, the MNS won 13 Assembly seats. Earlier this week, SP leader Abu Azmi was manhandled by MNS legislators for taking his oath in Hindi. As Azmi started to take his oath, several MNS members swooped on him and pushed him aside. Legislator Ramesh Banjle uprooted the microphone from the podium. When Azmi attempted to save himself, MNS member Ram Kadam slapped him and hit him on the face and chest, shocking the 288-member house that had converged for the oath-taking ceremony. The house was adjourned for 30 minutes. Action followed soon, with four MNS legislators -- Vasant Geete, Shishir Shinde, Ram Kadam and Ramesh Wanjale -- were suspended for four years by the pro-tem speaker for the violent incident.