As we all know that Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray recently threatened shopowners to put up signage in Marathi language by August 28. Local Don said “My deadline was set to expire on August 14 but as the Municipal Commissioner has given an August 28 deadline, we will treat this as the ultimatum for putting up Marathi nameplates.” And it doesn't stop here...“By August you have to decide which would be a cheaper option, having Marathi nameplates or having your shop”. The violence at a shop opposite the police commisionerate is fresh in the minds of many shop owners. One of them who chose to speak up is now taking stock of his loss.
After that evening's chaos, shopkeepers seem uncomfortable to speak on camera. But many agree that they would rath
er toe the line than face the consequences of being defiant. And so, the change was visible on the streets of Mumbai. As the deadline approached shopkeepers were making sure they do not become targets of this political drama. However, the state was quick to give its assurance. Yet many prefer a quick change than wait for help after the damage is done.
Now what do you call it? Does this mean this person will do whatever he likes and we the people have to obey him? Isn't there anyone to take any strong action against him? What happened after the so called actions that were taken against him? Does he want to divide India on the lines of states of origin? He still speaks aloud in open grounds and challenges people for one on one. Everyone knows about the "gundagardi" of his party members. Then why noone is taking an action against him? Are they scared of something or are they also involved in it? Well, there are many questions that rise in my mind but God knows when I will find the answers.
He shouldn’t forget that it took the efforts of one man, better known as the iron man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to integrate the erstwhile 600 princely states into one dominion, India. Is Raj’s agenda to again disintegrate India - at least his idea of Jai Maharashtra, makes one believe so. If he really wants to be a national political figure and command respect, shouldn’t his slogan be “Jai Bharat”?
Maharashtra is an integral part of India. Any Indian or for that matter any foreigner, with correct antecedents has the right to work and earn a living in Maharashtra as long as the person is contributing to the nation (and not just Maharashtra). However, it seems that Raj Thackeray, either doesn’t have the political finesse or is incompetent to deal with issues that are much more serious than this trivial issue.
What has he done for the farmers committing suicide in Maharashtra and Gujarat? Or, since he is more concerned about Maharashtra, at least for the farmers in Maharashtra? What has he done about the welfare of the Maharashtrians?
His sympathizers might say that he doesn’t have the power. But is Raj fit enough to be given the power, with his evident play of divisive politics? His acerbic tirade against the icon of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan, cast aspersions against Raj’s frame of mind? His question is what has Amitabh Bachchan done for Maharashtra? The writer’s question is what have you done for Maharashtra, Raj Thackeray? With the photos of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s activists rioting, vandalising and spreading hooliganism in Dadar area in Mumbai, are you really concerned about Maharashtra? The damage to public property means additional expenditure for Maharashtra’s government to resurrect it, are you ready to pay for the damage to the government. Moreover, are you really a well wisher of Maharashtra? What about your alleged irregularity of funds in Kohinoor Mills’ deal?
Lastly, how can Maharashtrians even think of giving you an electoral mandate, when you, in a cowardly act (universally condemned), send your activists (or hooligans) to throw bottles at Amitabh Bachchan’s house? With the conscience of most of the politicians dead in this age of power, fame and wealth, it will indeed be heartening to see, if this letter touches your conscience somewhat and renders an apology from you, for your unpardonable divisive act targeted at our secular nation, India.
I agree with what you have written. This guys thinks as if he has aquired all the powers and can do anything he wants. This sometimes looks true however. Lets see the government reaction in this case. It will show which is the power behing the punch.
ReplyDeleteagree to your view on this.. lets wait n watch on this situation.
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