In a political gaffe, Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari stated that there would be no money left in Mumbai and it will cease to be the financial capital of the country if Gujaratis and Rajasthanis are removed from the city.

He made the statement during an event on Friday, kicking up a political storm with various parties objecting to his statement. The Maharashtra governor, reacting to the row, said his comments were 'misconstrued'. He added that he had no intention of belittling the hard work of the Marathi-speaking people in the progress and development of Maharashtra.

Criticising the governor, the Congress demanded an apology from him.

A release issued by the Raj Bhavan said Koshyari praised the contribution of Rajasthani-Marwari and Gujarati communities in making Mumbai the financial capital of the country.

As his remarks triggered a controversy, Koshyari issued a statement on Saturday, saying that he was only speaking about the contribution of the Gujarati and Rajasthani communities to the trade and industry in the city.

Koshyari said he was proud of serving as the governor in the illustrious state of Maharashtra.

"Mumbai is Maharashtra's pride and also the country's financial capital. I also tried to learn Marathi in a short span of time," he said.

Koshyari said Marathi industrialists have made a name for themselves not just in the state, but also in the country and across the globe. "There is no question of belittling Marathi people," he said.

The governor said his comments were misconstrued as it has become a habit to view everything through a political prism.

"Lauding one community doesn't mean insulting another. Political parties shouldn't create an unnecessary controversy. I will never insult Maharashtra and Marathi people," he said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday said he does not agree with Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari's remarks on Mumbai, and asserted that the contribution made by Marathi people to the growth of the city can never be disregarded. He also said that the governor occupies a constitutional post and he should be careful about not offending anyone through his statements.

Meanwhile, talking to reporters in Dhule, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Marathi-speaking people have the lion's share in the development and growth of Maharashtra.

(with inputs from PTI)