Raj playing cards of divisive politics

Vikash Ranjan

New Delhi

Wed, 22 Oct 2008: 

Writing article on his each step, blackening of newspaper columns, and getting place on television headlines is nothing other than giving him prominence and popularity. This is the old but frequent strategy of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray. Considering fame in this way could gain Marathi votes f his party, he continuously has kept himself indulged in such mean politics, which only fickle-minded people can think about.

A self-centred divisive policy utterly to gain political mileage seems to be going dearer to MNS chief Raj Thackeray. His party’s rampage against defensive, peaceful and unarmed North Indians, in general, earlier and students, in particular, this time who had come Maharashtra on Sunday to give railway exams, has morally forced all-people as well as politicians- to come on the common platform, raise voice against Raj Thackeray.

Repercussion after the MNS led rampage and fanatism against Bihari students, especially when two, among many thrashed and beaten black and blue, later succumbed to their injuries was quite prescient. But the manner in which people expressed their rage cannot be justified. Irrespective of damaging public property, torching trains the agitators should resort to other non-violent means of protests.

MNS-a political party founded by Raj Thackeray after separating from his uncle, Balasahab Thackeray’s Shiv Sena albeit a political party recognised under the constitution of India, but hardly have any characteristics of a constitutional political party. His and party’s activities rather dubs MNS a goon party.

Raj Thackeray needs to ponder over his movement if he really wants to be a political leader. Moreover, if MNS gains over such selfish and divisive politics, it could not be long lasting. And hardly two percent Marathi voters, who supports him, are not going to benefit him.

Instead of achieving short-term gains, the junior Thackeray should keep an eye on long-term political gains, if wants to delve into national politics, and for that he should focus on developmental politics than political politics, as once former president and renowned scientist Kalam had said.

His constant challenges to everyone including Mumbai’s Joint Commissioner of Police K L Prasad and recent one “arrest me and face the consequences…If Raj is arrested entire Maharashtra will be set on fire” would fetch him nothing than troubles.

So, choice rests with him, either turns his feet back or goes ahead on the same track and face the consequences, as cases against him are already registered in various police stations.

If he is arrested and given bail by one court, he will be booked by other police stations. On Tuesday, he was granted bail by a district court in Maharashtra but then the Kalyan police asked for his custody for a case filed there and Raj had to spend night in jail. On Wednesday, Raj was produced before Kalyan court, which sent him 14-day judicial custody.

The strategy is clear: involve the MNS chief in cases in almost entire Maharashtra so as to keep him distant from inciting rhetoric.