Mumbai, Nov 4 (PTI) Ruling Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Surve landed in a controversy after he likened Marathi people to mother and North Indians to his aunt, saying that if the mother died it was acceptable but not so in the case of the aunt.

The remark triggered a sharp criticism from Opposition parties and Marathi organisations, prompting Surve to issue an apology on Monday.

"Marathi is my mother, but North India is my aunt. It is fine if the mother dies, but the aunt should not. Because the aunt loves us more. I have received more love from you (north Indians) than from my mother," Surve had said while addressing an event.

As his statement went viral and protests erupted across parts of the city, Surve sought to calm the storm by tendering an apology.

"Marathi is my mother and aunt togeth

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