New Delhi, Nov 11 Samajwadi Party (SP) General Secretary Amar Singh today alleged that he received a death threat call for Abu Azmi, a legislator of the newly elected Maharashtra State Assembly, over his derogatory remarks against Shiv Sena leader Balasahab Thackeray.

"Around two hours ago, I received a call from an unknown number. The caller said that Maharashtra's Samajwadi Party member Abu Azmi will have to pay heavily for making offensive remarks against Balasaheb Thackeray and when he will leave for the Legislative Assembly in the morning, he wouldn't be spared. There are sharp political differences between Balasaheb Thackeray and the Samajwadi party and will remain forever. There is no place for violence in democracy," said Singh.

Meanwhile, natives from Uttar Pradesh beat up Marathi speaking passengers travelling by the Pushpak Express due to the ongoing language row in Maharashtra. The natives were immediately chased away by security personnel.

Azmi was assaulted by right-wing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) legislators on November 9 for taking his oath of office in Hindi, and not in Marathi.

Azmi was also criticized by the Shiv Sena for taking his oath in Hindi.

Commenting on the remarks made in 'Saamna', Azmi said that Balasahab Thackeray was growing old and was hence speaking like a child, which drew the ire of both the Shiv Sena and MNS activists who surrounded him outside the State Assembly and warned him against making comments like that.

The MNS has a powerful influence in Mumbai, much like its larger political rival Shiv Sena, drawing sustenance from the politics of resisting immigration into Mumbai by people from states other than Maharashtra, and championing the cause of Marathi. (ANI)