Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has conveyed his concern to his counterpart in Maharashtra, Vilasrao Deshmukh, over the security of Biharis and other Hindi-speaking people living there.

"The Maharashtra government must take immediate measures against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray for his divisive and inflammatory statements against Biharis and other Hindi-speaking people living in your state," Kumar told Deshmukh over the phone on Tuesday night.

Kumar also sought effective steps for the safety and security of these people, a spokesman for the chief minister's office said.

He said Deshmukh assured the Bihar chief minister of providing security to the lives and property of the Hindi-speaking population in Maharashtra.

Deshmukh said Mumbai police commissioner had been directed to look into Thackeray's alleged outburst against Hindi-speaking people at a party rally recently and appropriate action would be taken after the official submits his report.