The public of Maharashtra have shown that Shiv Sena is left with nothing but nuisance value. Today, Marathi manoos needs little introspection. For too long Sena has turned Mumbai into a fiefdom.
THE FOLLOWING lines didn’t churn out of my pen. These lines were published as a comment in a news daily and I am reproducing for the information of readers:
ThDesh Premi By: JK February 13, 2010, reply | Forward Bal Thakeray = Ravan of modern Ramayana, Udhav Thakeray = MeghNath Ravan’s son, Raj Thakeray = Khumha Karan Ravan’s brother. They are trying to turn Mumbai into Lanka. Please save Mumbai and make it Panchabati Garden.
Like Lord Rama I have found a lot in Ravan that was reverential. Not for nothing Ram had sent Laxman to pay respect when Ravan was on his dying bed. However, it is mere detraction and not the topic of this article. I am delighted that I am alive to see the last few days.
The last few days were the days that would be remembered in annals of history as the democracy was snatched again from the clutches of chimera of communalism and regionalism. In future these days should be celebrated like a annual festival. It was time of triumph for modesty, creativity and honesty.
A fascist organisation was hell bent to trample the sacred constitution of our country. The common man saved it. Shiva Sena had made a damp squib when Advani praised Jinnah; when Jaswant Singh wrote Qasseda (a poem in praise) of Jinnah; when an ex- Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief endorsed the views of Jaswant Singh. The country hadn’t forgotten the photo opportunities when the entire Thackeray clan was sitting around Javed Miandad, the in-law of Dawood Ebraheem. Where was Shiv Sena when Shatrughan Shotgun Sinha was sitting in the lap of a dreaded dictator, the Pakistani President Zia. Where had gone the warmth of blood of Shiva saniks when Mumbai was attacked by terrorists? They were all hiding.
Last week, the Gandhi boy valiantly stormed the citadels of paper tigers; bearded the lions in their dens and came out with flying colours. It was democratic coronation of a new Bharat – a boy who had shown courage, vision and wisdom. Last few days belonged to Khan, a true Khan of words, deeds and spirits. It was his victory march all the way. He refused to bow down before threats; he was undaunted; he was determined to defend the fundamental rights of every Indian citizen. He stood as an iron wall before the might of Shiv Sena which enjoyed the clandestine support of Sangh Parivar and Sharad Pawar as they all were playing in tandem.
One can’t help but laugh as Maharastra government is basking in the reflected glory. It did everything that could have shattered the spirits of a lesser human being. Shiv sainiks and Bala Thackeray were having the fields day – a free hand to do what they wanted and state machinery were just making a few arrest to show that some administration exists somewhere.
Every promise or act of government was perfunctory and half-hearted. Thackeray clan was going to steal the march. It might be the warning or persuasion of Sonia, Raul or Chidambaram who saved the day from behind the scene. Till the CM woke up to the response of state was woefully inadequate, spineless and was failing to generate the confidence of public, exhibitor and the production group. State government was reluctant to impose the rule of law. Had Shahrukh Khan been some meek bloke, Bala Thackeray and his juggernaut would have basking in the glory of their triumph today.
The public of Maharashtra have shown that Shiv Sena is left with nothing but nuisance value. Today, Marathi manoos needs little introspection. Like every Indian the country is brimming with challenges and promises. It is free society. Marathi manoos have to look beyond the parochial identities; they have to compete and succeed in Mumbai and all over the country. They have a glorious past and they can build a glittering future. Let them understand that the road that leads to Matoshree is cluttered with lethargic reservations, violence, mayhem and destruction. There is no light at the end of tunnel there!
Did his graduation in Science discipline from AMU in 1972-73. He was Secretary of University Ali Society in 1970 and M.M. Hall Literary Society in early 70 's and member of Tayyabji Literary Society. Did his Diploma in Bakery Administration from HTT College Oxford Street London in 1987. Worked with National Herald - Delhi, Blitz - Bombay as Trainee Journalist and in Production Department with 'Naya Sansar Pictures' of Khwaja Ahmed Abbas at Bombay in early 70's. Traveled for study and training purposes to Germany, U.K., Switzerland, France, Dubai, Oman, AbuDhabi, Bahrain and Philepines.
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