Raj backtracks, but for how long?

In view of the mounting pressure and criticism from all-quarters, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray retreating from his earlier stand on Chhath Puja said on Friday that he had never been against celebration of any festival in Mumbai including Chhath Puja, but warned politicisation of the festival.

“My word was wrongly communicated. It was distorted by a section of Media. I have never ever opposed Chhath Puja. What I am oppose to its politicisation. Some political leaders from Bihar use the event in drawing political mileage. That I was opposed to and will be,” Raj Thackeray said in a press conference organised, yesterday, after Mumbai police allowed him to organise a press conference.

People from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh can perform the religious rituals as per their customs and without any obstruction from his party. He appealed to his party cadres to maintain peace during the Puja on November 4.

Raj’s backtrack can be seen in relation to Chhath Puja only. It has nothing to do with his tirade against North Indians in the name of Marathi manoos, as he has no repent on his doing. He not only justified the killing of Rahul Raj, but also denied any involvement of MNS in Dharamdev Rai’s lynching. So, how long his softening attitude will continue, is difficult to say as the state soon will be in the grip of election fever, and he would not like to let his ‘Marathi manoos’ issue to be down played.

Raj Thackeray is not wrong in raising Marathi manoos issue, but the way in which he is carrying his campaign, is nothing but an unmindful activity. His preference to Marathis cannot justify his tirade against North Indians.

Moreover, it can undisputedly be said that Maharashtra government so far has been failed in curbing MNS activities.

The current pressure from the Centre on the Maharashtra government to restrain Raj Thackeray, failing which the Centre would have no option except to book him under the National Security Act, though has backed down Raj Thackeray a bit, but this did not deter him to ridicule the demand.

“When Biharis are killed in Assam, no voice is raised. When Goa Chief Minister oppose the launching of Goa-Bihar train saying the state do not want more beggars, everybody keep silent. When Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dixit speaks against people of Bihar and UP, no gag order is issued. When 1200 people were killed during Lalu Prasad ruling in Bihar, no demand is made to book him under NSA. But if Raj Thackeray speaks, nationwide uproar is observed and even Prime Minister has to intervene,” said an irate Raj Thackeray.