Friday, November 28, 2008

Why Not Rap Raj Thackeray For Not Retrieving Mumbai's Peace?

Last month there were a lot of articles written on Raj Thackeray. His solution for ‘retrieving Marathi pride’ by urging for an open war against North Indians in Mumbai were mostly condemned while some were genuinely floored by his fidelity towards Marathi, Mumbaikars and Maharashtra.
In an article, ‘Why Rap Raj Thackeray For Retrieving Marathi Pride’ someone strongly supported Raj for his pro-Marathi and anti-North Indian policies. My article is just a reply to the above mentioned article.
The 4 days of havoc that Mumbai suffered from 26th to 29th November, Mumbai saw no sign of the Marathi and Maharashtra fanatic Raj Thackeray. No comments, no interviews, no consolations, no condemning, no nothing. Now, in this media savvy world, it’s impossible to believe that Raj did not have an option for addressing and communicating with Mumbai. Not a word for his precious mumbaikars and Maharashtra? Many people addressed the terrorist attacks. Rattan Tata through an interview, Amitabh Bachhan and Amir Khan through their blogs expressed their concern, anger, frustration through media while there were no signs of Raj Thackeray. Many people, who genuinely cared about Mumbai came out on the streets out side Taj, Oberoi and Nariman House while the operations against terrorists were going on. While Delhi remained quiet and was saddened because of the terror strikes that took place in Mumbai, the JNU students arranged a candlelight march to mourn for the same. The very same people, whom Raj was always against in Mumbai. Still, there was no clue of Raj, and that too when he was in Mumbai! It’s disconcerting to see that the once, well-known for making public appearances and connecting with people through media, Raj Thackeray had gone missing.
People from all over India have condemned these attacks and are more than willing to help Mumbai in every way they can. We condemn violence against anyone in the country, be it the North or the South, East Or West. India is one and Indians will always support Indians. Diversity is something that we should celebrate and not condemn. This is the true essence of our country. It’s only the Indians who will help Indians. Irrespective of caste, creed, religion or now, region.
But the question is that had Raj Thackeray completely forgotten about his love for Marathi people when Mumbai was in real danger? Do terrorists make him forget about his love for his people and state? Or does he only like to bask in the glory for launching a full fledged campaign against the poor and weak?
People, who were a strong supporter of Raj Thackeray must re-assess him on the basis of his actions. Do you really need a leader who would desert you in the time of need? Who cannot even hold Mumbai together and soothe the people in such crucial times? Who is incapable of encouraging his people when the occasion arises? I guess, it’s time people acknowledge Raj for the real person he is and something he pretends to be to satiate his political and personal desires.

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