Maharsahtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan has reacted swiftly in favour of Sachin Tendulkar on the Marathi vs Indian issue, saying "I agree with Sachin's comment."

Chavan was talking about Sachin's statement at a press conference that he was a "proud Maharashtrian" but an Indian first. Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray has severely chided Sachin, suggesting that the master blaster stick to playing cricket.  Also that such statements would alienate the "Marathi manoos". 

Chavan slammed the Shiv Sena for "using it to play political games" and said the people would not fall for it.

Sachin, he said, "spoke from the bottom of his heart and it is true."