"Locals should be given preference in employment in the industries in the state. It should not happen that people should come from outside...Bihar and get the jobs here."
-- Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Madhya Pradesh CM
"He has used bad words (against Biharis). Chauhan should apologise or we will launch an agitation."
- Lalu Prasad, RJD chief


DNA Correspondent. Bhopal
Doing a Raj Thackeray in Madhya Pradesh, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Friday asked companies in his state not to employ Biharis at the cost of locals. However, as shrill reaction to the comment started trickling in, he did a U-turn saying he didn't mean to offend anyone.

"Locals should be given preference in employment in the industries in the state. It should not happen that people should come from outside...Bihar and get the jobs here," Chauhan said at a function in Satna on Friday, adding, "We will not allow anyone to take the livelihood of our young people."
The comment evoked sharp reaction across the political spectrum, with former Bihar chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad taking the lead in condemning Chauhan. He termed the remark "unconstitutional" and sought an apology from the MP chief minister. "He has used bad words (against Biharis). Chauhan should apologise or we will launch an agitation," he said.
Demanding Chauhan's resignation, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ramvilas Paswan said, "A person holding a top constitutional post should not react in this manner."
Congress spokesman KK Mishra said in Bhopal, "Thackeray's spirit seems to have entered Chauhan's body"
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray has been in the thick of controversy for his aggressive stand on migrants from Bihar.
In Delhi, Congress spokesman Manish Tiwari said: "The constitution is clear in this regard...any citizen can move anywhere within the country and work...and no government or person is above the constitution...If a CM speaks like that it is irresponsible and should be criticised." -- Agencies