“We don’t agree with Koshyari’s remarks. It’s his personal view. He has now issued a clarification. He occupies a constitutional post and should take care that his actions do not insult others. The Marathi community’s hard work has contributed to the development and progress of Mumbai…. No one can insult Mumbai and Marathi people,” news agency PTI quoted Shine as saying.

 Earlier in the day, Thackeray demanded an apology from the Governor, alleging that he was working to divide communities.

“I am not satisfied with his explanation. Governor must apologize. He has not only hurt the sentiments of the Marathi people, but he also divided Hindus. The Governor takes an oath of office. Is it his work to divide communities? If it is an offense, then he should be punished by law,” Thackeray said.

#WATCH | If Gujarati and Rajasthan are removed from Maharashtra, especially Mumbai and Thane, no money would be left here. Mumbai would not be able to remain the financial capital of the country: Maharashtra Governor Bharat Singh Kosher

 Demanding to know the position of the Elnath Shingle government over the issue, Thackeray stated: “I want to know what these Neo Hindus who have come to power in Maharashtra think about this. The government must clarify its stand. If this parcel from Delhi is dividing communities, then he should be sent back. And if he has committed  a crime, then he should be punished.”

 While addressing a gathering in Mumbai’s Another on Friday, Koshyari said, “…  Gujarati and Rajasthan people are removed from Maharashtra, especially Mumbai and Thane, there would be no money left here. You call Mumbai the financial capital, but if these (Gujarati and Rajasthan) people are not here, then it won’t be called financial capital.”

  However, on Saturday, the Governor clarified that his remarks had been “misconstrued” and asked political parties “not to create controversy”. “I had no intention to look down upon Marathi people. I merely spoke about the contribution of Gujarat and Rajasthan people. It is the Marathi population which has developed Maharashtra to its present position… there is no question of demeaning Marathi people.”

  The former Chief Minister, who had locked horns with Koshyari several times during his tenure, also said, “It is time to show him the Kolhapur chap pal and decide how to use it.”

  Thackeray added that he thanks the Governor for unknowingly opening up the secret of Delhi that people there have eyes on Mumbai only because of the money there. “I don’t know who writes his speeches. Whether it is Mumbai or Delhi. It seems like an attempt to polarize votes prior to the elections.”

 "It should be decided whether to send him back home or to prison... I do not want to insult someone sitting on the post of Governor.  I respect the chair, but Bharat Singh Kosher insulted Marathi and there is anger among the people. The Governor is trying to divide the society on religion, he is crossing every limit," the former chief minister said.