Loss of Credibility

The drama in Maharashtra ended with the brief detention of both Raj Thakeray and Abu Azmi. But it took a week’s time and little hard talk by the Centre for the Deshmukh government to act. But, after sufficient damage had been done to the social fabric, a life had been lost, industries in worst affected Nashik districts had lost more than Rs. 400 crores and large number of Biharis had boarded trains eastwards for their safety. It is yet to be seen whether they will ever come back to their adopted state.

Even after all this, Raj Thackeray of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) remains totally unrepentant and has been quoted as saying that what has happened has happened. Even the reaction of major political parties has been beyond comprehension. Except for Laloo Yadav and Nitish Kumar, who condemned the violence, neither BJP nor Congress, not to talk about the Left, came out strongly against the utterances and acts of violence by MNS. It seems the political expediency takes precedence over everything else.

Does it mean that our major political parties endorse the act of MNS in the garb of protecting Marathi culture? Where from did MNS arrogate itself the authority to protect Marathi culture? Can culture or for that matter practice of a particular religion be enforced? Our constitution prohibits any discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Inciting violence against the migrants also attracts penal provisions. Why did the law enforcement agencies then took so much time to act? It seems they were seeking directions from the Mantralaya. If our police does not performs its duties and the political leaders look the other way, it is the credibility of the state as protector of its citizens, which will take the beating. Can a liberal democracy like India afford to allow this? We are all talking about becoming an economic super power. What happens to the idea of a civil society?

The only solace during the entire episode has been the reaction of conscientious Mumbaikars of all hues and colours. There is still hope.