"It is up to the MLAs concerned to take the decision. I am sure Congress MLAs from the drought-affected areas will stay away from the tour. But I see no reason why legislators from areas which are not facing drought should not participate," he told reporters here.
His comments came in the wake of MNS chief Raj Thackeray urging MLAs from Maharashtra that they should not take part in the tour in view of the drought in the state.
Thakre said Raj himself travel abroad every year and had once also organised a Michael Jackson concert in Mumbai (in late 1990s).
"Then why should a legislator from rural area not go when the trip is funded completely by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Board," he said.
He said the MNS's stand on the issue was prompted by an urge to get "cheap publicity".
MNS today pasted copies of "request letter" on the rooms of all MLAs at Manora MLA Hostel in south Mumbai, asking them not to participate in the tour. PTI MR KRK SCY