Comments - Latest Popular Stories, Instablogs Community by Deepathukral

Manish

Manish — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Very good post Deepa. Its indeed sad and disturbing to see the most cosmopolitan and vibrant city of Mumbai getting dragged into language and caste controversy and that too by a young and educated politician.

Sadly this age old tactic of dividing, misguiding and misleading people still works and it has brought Raj and his party to limelight at not only state level but also national level politics :(

Deepa

Deepa — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks Manish.

Normally I steer clear of any political issues. But somehow this marathi-hindi war has been iriking me since long.

I may not have used the correct political language or didn’t really bother to pen down the actual news and facts reagarding Raj’s crusade.

I simply poured by heart out as a lay person who loves Mumbai the way it is :)

Why struggle with who is speaking in what lingo? Instead let’s focus on improving our traffic scenes, rehabilitate slum-dwellers, clear the Mithi river, improve our drainage facility, establish more educational institutes, implement eco-measures to reduce energy consumption and much more. I can go on and on!

Wonder when the rural folks will understand the shortcomings of such leaders ad their strategies :(

Manish

Manish — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Deepa, politics has always been dirty and as Radhika has mentioned, politicians don’t really want to solve any issue. They are just bothered about their own progress.

Let me share here my own disgusting experience. The Thane Octroi check naka was to be computerized and they had asked for tenders. Someone I know took me to a corporator from opposition party who in turn took me to the MLA of the ruling party. They met like close friends and discussed how my company’s tender will be cleared and how much money we will need to give to each one of them. Tell me, do you think anyone cares a bit about us people?

Raj, Congress, etc they are all one behind doors... This issue could not have even started if the ruling party had will to stop it.

Deepa

Deepa — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Signature campaigns.....not really thought of such things. I simply penned down my thoughts without thinking of all these actions!

Manish

Manish — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Yes Deepa... in fact you have written exactly what most of us in Mumbai feel. There are so many issues that needs to focused on rather than raking up controversies like this that causes more harm than help people of Maharashtra. Good you voiced your anguish here.

Aneez

Aneez — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Folks, this is all about free publicity. No one is actually bothered about who speaks what and who f—s whom. As long as the party is guaranteed a good publicity, these politicians (old and young, educated and illiterate alike) will leave no issue go untouched by them.

Don’t you all know this shit gimmicks?? The elections are knocking on the door.... and politicians are like monkeys - when they see the crowd coming they display their best somersault!

As far as the lingo battle is concerned, I don’t see any benefits to the Marathi language, or the Marathi Manus, because of Mr. Raj Thackeray’s attitude.

In fact, a majority of Marathi people (in Mumbai) are working class and one can imagine the situation if the non-Marathi speaking business class decides to take this issue with the same animosity as displayed by Raj Thackeray.

By the way, I pray that Mumbai remains the same as it was. Open to all and a home to all, irrespective of their caste and tongue.

Deepa

Deepa — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks Aneez for dropping by :)

I understand that the attack of ’amchi-tumchi’ on ’humari-aapki’ is only a publicity stunt. But it has gone much beyond the tolerance level of very Mumbaite I suppose.

The center needs to take action against such hooligans who are terrorizing our state in the name of a stupid reason like language.

Mumbai is the only city that can boast of its rich multi-lingual culture. Why should it change.

Ramesh Balam

Ramesh Balam — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Ladies and Gentleman,

Raj Thackeray is a convent educated young man born and brought up in a cosmopolitan city of Mumbai. He is a Cartoonist meaning that he is intelligent to feel the pulse of the people and connect with them. He is not the run of the mill politician. He knows what he is doing and also knows its impact and consequences of his words and deeds.

On February 13 this year, when Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray was given bail minutes after being arrested for instigating violent attacks on north Indian migrants in Mumbai, the bail order said, “Raj Thackeray, in his political capacity, would never ever breach peace and tranquility in Maharashtra state, under his leadership in his entire political career.” Check the link below :-

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Once-upon-a-time-when-Raj-got-bail-court-.../360869/

Under the circumstances explained above, I feel it beneath dignity of any person to beg for peace in mumbai and Maharashtra from this rogue. He should be replied in his own coin. The strategy could be two fold; one, to raise such a loud and clear voice of sanity and nationalism that politicians ignore it on their peril and second; to force the state government through centre and also by mounting pressure from other state governments, industrialists, courts and law order machinery to safeguard, protect and provide peaceful atmoshpere to its citizens.

Deepa

Deepa — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Hello Rameshji,

Thanks for your opinion. You have correctly mentioned that In spite of being convent educated and raised in a cosmopolitan society, Raj is stirring such unwarranted upheaval in our state.

However I would like to let your know that I am not begging of this fellow for anything. It’s just my way of putting my thoughts across in a polite manner to start off with. I do agree with you that at times ‘tit for tat’ only works. But I am in no position to do that.

Ramesh Balam

Ramesh Balam — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I read your article as attentively as I could. I knew, you had not begged. Nor had Amitabh or Jaya Bachchan, for that matter. I did not use the world exclusively for you. If such an impression got created, I wish to clarify that that was not intended. I used the word in present tense and denoted it for future. Because, we all civilised people start seeking apologies on every one’s behalf to restore peace which futher emboldens these mafia goons.

I have not suggested tit for tat either. I can not stoop low to his level of politics and incite people to retaliate in the same manner. If I do that, there will be no difference between him and me. I have suggested two opinion building methods. It may work.

Deepa

Deepa — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks Rameshji for clarifying your stand. I did misinterpret your words in the 1st comment. Sorry about that :)

Again fighting it out with him by targetting Marathi folks in other parts of the country isn’t going to work. Its gonna add on to the misery.....it will be like fueling the fire that he has ignited.

The only solution is that public needs to be educated and awakened to understand such people’s motives.

Also law and central government can order a legal punishment against such cast-discriminating politicians.

Ramesh Balam

Ramesh Balam — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Unfortunately for us, law and order is a state subject and Centre won’t interfere.

We feel threatened without actually receiving the threat. Because the possibility is lurking. Right? Similarly, the threat perception in itself is a deterant. I agree that it increases the insecurity amongst the masses but it works for sure.

I have suggested two civilised methods above; there could be more and better ideas. Some of them are called pressurising and influencing.

Radhika

Radhika — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Holding a city to ransom by politicians like Raj and Bala Saheb is an age old practice. Deepa do you think if these politicians had the guts, they would solve the burning issues. They are bothered about only their progress and not the progress of Mumbai or its people....let alone Maharashtra. Mr. Raj has so much time on his hands that he actually heard out Jaya’s speech...If he were concentrating on the real issues, he wouldn’t have the time of the day to delve into such petty non-existent matters.

Raj is busy focusing on turning a prime property in Dadar into a luxury apartment for the rich ppl (I’m not talking about the Kohinoor Mills). And of course tracking the Bachchan family.

Deepa

Deepa — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Yeah Radhika, I have been wondering about our future if such new generation leaders also resort to such old tactics. This guy is literate enough to understand which issues are more important to raise a hue and cry about.

Instigating riots and making it to the headlines for accusing someone of speaking our national language is just not what we expect from these youth vote-beggars.

God save us!

Radhika

Radhika — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Love the Vote beggars bit ;)

Wicked as it sounds, it’s so true.

Manish

Manish — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@ Rameshji, I have a question for you. Like most people even I am angry but not only with Raj but also with Congress.

Why was Raj allowed to start this dirty game in the first place? Isn’t it administrations responsibility to ensure safety of citizens?

Congress obviously wanted to be the monkey who would take advantage while the 2 cats fought over Marathi votes, thus fragmenting the votes that would be in their advantage.

Every person knows what Raj is doing is exactly what his uncle did in 70’s to establish himself as politician - target some non-Marathi community and project himself as Marathi people’s savior.... It’s STILL the easiest way to get publicity and votes of gullible voters, and Congress allowed him to start it. He or anyone like him who tries this should be stopped immediately, but it is in Congress’ advantage to allow him to continue.

You tell, how can peace and progress loving citizens implement the steps you have mentioned?

Ramesh Balam

Ramesh Balam — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I did not suggest some other sure-shot methods which work more effectively. If you wish; I can name a few :-

Every time Raj or his ilk bashes up a Bihari or a non-Marathi in Maharashtra; a Marathi or a group of Marathi may be beaten up in Tatya Tope Nagar at Bhopal or at Delhi or some other place in full view of the camera while miscreant shout murdabaad for him. That is tit for tat.

Every time he lampoons a Bihari or a Bhaiyya or a South Indian, some one should stand at the feet of statue of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi and abuse him for insulting the residents of Jhansi.

Every time his Maharashtrian sensibilities get hurt, some one from Baroda should remind that Maharaja Gaikwad is a Marathi. The same can be done at Gwalior.

There are many such methods to cure the itch of Raj Thackeray. Which method should we use? Of course, the civilised ones; would be my answer ! Right?

Deepa

Deepa — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Gosh, politics is a filthy jungle where animals are having a ball at the cost of innocent citizens.

Ramesh Balam

Ramesh Balam — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Manish has answered his own question. I have no intention to increase the tension of peace loving citizen.

Manish

Manish — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Rameshji, thanks for sharing some more ideas to stop Raj and his goons.

I am against tit-for-tat. Bashing up innocent Marathis in other states will not only do no good, but will escalate this whole issue.

Yes, people should be made to understand that India’s constitution allows anyone to live in any state and politicians like Raj should not use this kind of ploy for his advantage.

I strongly believe active role of State government and legal machinery to bring immediate end to this else it will become very difficult to stop him... and it may happen much sooner than we think.

Ramesh Balam

Ramesh Balam — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

You are right. Let Raj understand that there are more law breakers in other parts of India too who are more cruel, ruthless and fanatic and the game Raj is playing can be paid back in the same coin. Some one else can also get these nasty ideas.

Some past experiences :

Train carrying Hindu refugees from Lahore to Amrisar was attacked in the aftermath of partition. The revenge action brought the government in action.

Innocent Hindus were being killed in Punjab during Khalistan movement culminating with the killing of Indira Gandhi. The Hindu reaction from 31 October 1984 to 02 November 1984 in which innocent Sikhs were killed, sorted out Punjab problem for ever.

Burning of 2 railway coaches full of innocent Ram Bhakts resulted in such a massacre that Gujrat burnt and Muslims are now afraid to live in there.

I can quote more.

But let us raise our collective voices through the might of pen and create such a loud voice that the deaf law enforcement agencies wake up and safeguard the innocent citizens.

Manish

Manish — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

You know that may actually work. If Marathi’s in rest of India are also treated the way Raj treats people from other states, the very same Marathi’s that he is trying to appease will blame him for that. His tactics will back fire.

But that’s really a very uncivilized way of handling this situation and many innocent people (Marathi’s) will need to suffer... all because of his political ambition... We need someone like Narendra Modi to keep such people in control.

Dr.Ratan Saini

Dr.Ratan Saini — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

That is the reason no intellihgent person opts for the profession called politics.

Ramesh Balam

Ramesh Balam — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

It is all the more reason to enter into it.

Deepa

Deepa — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

LOL....that makes all of us intelligent :)

Deepa

Deepa — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

GR8 what better platform than Insta to raise our collective voices!

Ramesh Balam

Ramesh Balam — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Count me in !

Manish

Manish — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Count us all in.... But how can our voice reach the people who matters from insta?

Deepa

Deepa — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Insta is a global platform and members from all over the country and world can be made aware of such dadagiri!

Manish

Manish — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Made aware yes, but it will take more than just awareness to get something done.

PIL? Signature campaign? ...

Shiv

Shiv — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

even children can make fun of a lion in zoo

i dread the day when this will be reciprocated & the country will again become a fiefdom of tiny kingdoms with rulers having large egos

& east india will be revisited

Shiv

Shiv — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

east india company will haunt us again

Manish

Manish — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

@ Shiv Kedia, wasn’t it Churchill who had predicted that even though India gets freedom, Indian’s won’t be manage their country.

He seems to have got it right.

Manish

Manish — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

*Indian’s won’t be able to manage their country.

Reshmi

Reshmi — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

’Spirited bloggers of Insta unite’...I have used this phrase of mine before for some other article...but could not help using the same words again :D!! Great post Deepa, loved reading it.

Deepa

Deepa — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Hi Reshmi,

thanks for ur opinion....rather phrase :)

We need to come together to make a difference....however small or insignificant.

I wrote exactly what I felt...as every common man from Mumbai must be feeling.

Vijay

Vijay — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Deepa,Raj must change as per the need of nation.We are having so many other issue.Farmers are suffering due to many problems in Vidarbha and your advice to him...,we hope must be implemented.

”Brother we have many more IMP, attention-seeking issues to tackle. Combating illiteracy and poverty, providing shelter to homeless and food to famine-stuck villages and not to forget the suicide committing farmers….all these are just the tip of the mountain of problems we need to focus on.

Manish

Manish — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Just today while watching Ganpati Virsanjan on tv it occurred to me how people from every community has blended and stay as one in Mumbai. Ganpati festival is a Marathi celebration but people of all religion celebrate it.

I know a Punjabi family who bring Ganpati idol to their home every year and call all their family and friends for darshan and prayers... I even went to a Sardarji family who brings Ganpati to their home...

Mumbai is such a beautiful confluence of people from all over India. Too bad Raj is creating distance between people here.

Ramesh Balam

Ramesh Balam — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

For more on Ganesh worship, kindly look my article ”Salman Khan worships Ganesh, Gets Fatwa”.

Manish

Manish — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks for the link Rameshji, I will check it out.

Manish

Manish — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I saw the link and gave my comments to it. What Salman Khan and his family did is exactly what I was talking about. This is what Mumbai is all about.

What better example to show that Marathi, Gujarati, Muslim, Sikhs, Punjabi etc all live togather and celebrate each others festivals with enthusiasm and love... Come Navratri and you will see everyone dancing nine nights. Who is Mr. Raj to decide who stays and who doesn’t.

Manish

Manish — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Incidentally, Ganesh utsov is also celebrated in Gujarat and Hydrabad in quite a large scale. Hydrabad saw visarjan of about 7000 Ganesh idols today. Thats what binds Indians togather.

Madhuri Katti

Madhuri Katti — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Deepa,

Good relevant post...

Many years ago Bal Thackarey had used same regional sentiments to get support for Shiv Sena...it did work...now its time for the next generation to use the same time-tested formula.

But I feel same formula is not working because times have changed. So these leaders have no choice but to whip up emotions and seek attention from the media. Hence Raj is targetting Bollywood...

Populist and mainstream media must play a responsible role here. But I don’t think thats going to happen. Mediocrity rules everywhere...

Its good to have a platform like instablogs to voice our opinion...but then its reach is limited...

Deepa

Deepa — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I agree with you Madhuri that IB platfrom has its limitations as in it cannot reach the masses. However we have members from every corner of the world. And highlighting concerns over such issues can only bring the general perceptions out in open in front of the world. News channels will only report news but we can voice our concerns here and let the world (however small or limited) know what the citizens feel.

Ruchi Agarwal

Ruchi Agarwal — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

As the various IB members have pointed out, we can only express our views out here but can do little about it.. for we got to be a part of a party ( community ) which is way stronger than tat of Raj thackeray..

one day even if i think of raising my voice and standin up for this cause, the chances of mine lying somewhere in the pool of blood or going missin arent that bleak.. :)

Mr. raj has definitely surfaced as successor of his uncle for bringing to surface such topics that will not accelerate the process of cultural growth of maharastrians. on the contrary, it will onli foster grudges and hard feelings amongst the cosmopolitan crowd of mumbai.

altho i dun think mumbai mirror is paper of substance, but just after frsh news of this lingo battle surfaced, they noticed the fact tat raj’s own son had opted for german for his HSC exams in Xaviers college.. so was it the difficulty of the language (Marathi) that made him do that? why mr. raj’s affection for his language dint come up that time.. to sum up in one line, i would say–charity begins at home :)

great post deepa :)

keep bringing such issues on the IB platform.. the discussion in the thread adds to the interest of the article..

Deepa

Deepa — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

LOL....ruchi, you think raj will hunt me out and slay me for voicing me opinion?

I too read about that news of his son studying German language. And ”charity begins at home” were the exact words that blurted out then :)

What irks me is that do his kids feel the same? Don’t they feel that their father is being unfair? Can’t they try to put some sense in his rusted one-way-traffic brain?