Amritsar, Oct. 21 : Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today criticized Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray for indulging in extremism through his party''s anti-north Indian tirade.

MNS activists have attracted widespread criticism from across the country for recently beating up several North Indian youths, who were to appear for interviews for Indian Railways'' Grade IV jobs.

Expressing concern over the unusual face of politics emerging from Maharashtra, Badal said: "He (Raj Thackeray) is doing wrong. If the tension escalates, it could break the country."

Badal, was speaking at Amritsar before sending off a Nagar Kirtan group from the Sri Akal Takht Sahib to the Hazur Sahib in Nanded, where the tercentenary of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib''s coronation is to be observed.

Badal said in India there were so many people from one region or state, who belonged to one region but settled in other states. It is unfortunate if a person is attacked on the basis of region that he comes from.

State Governments should ensure the safety of people from such acts of violence and vandalism. He said he could only urge to the Centre and State governments for the same.

Meanwhile, congratulating the people of country on the occasion of tercentenary of Sri Guru Granth Sahib coronation, Badal said: " The teachings of the Gurus'' can help solve present day problems faced by individuals and governments. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is not only the Guru of Sikhs, but also of humanity." (ANI)