Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Divisive tactics

Present-day politics is all about mud-slinging, name-calling and divide-and-rule. The violence in Mumbai against Hindi-speaking people is a case in point. The main reason behind it is Raj Thackeray’s motive of dividing the people of Maharashtra. That the British policy is being used against us by our fellow citizens, whom some of us have voluntarily chosen as leaders, is frightening.

What the situation demands is strict action against miscreants responsible for the ugly incidents. They should be brought to book and penalised for creating social unrest.

Shilpa Jajodia,

Cuttack

Raj Thackeray’s tirade against north Indians and the stray incidents of violence targeting Hindi-speaking people expose the disgruntled politician’s calculated strategy to reap political harvest using divisive tactics. One can well imagine the plight of the nation if all States start harping on the ‘sons of the soil’ rhetoric. Mr. Thackeray’s desperation to widen his mass base is understandable. It is a pity that the MNS leader has resorted to cheap political gimmicks when Maharashtra is facing the worst agrarian crisis.

B. Suresh Kumar,

Coimbatore

It is unfortunate that politicians try to climb the ladder of power at the cost of the people. Violence and mob sentiment should have no place in a democratic set-up.

S.A. Srinivasa Sarma,

Hyderabad

The MNS has found fault with Amitabh Bachchan for setting up educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh. Don’t Indians have a right to invest and settle down anywhere in the country? Instead of exploiting regional sentiments of the people for short-term benefits, politicians should choose some constructive issues.

Krishnapal Singh,

Bangalore

Raj Thackeray’s outbursts are against the spirit of the Constitution which gives all the citizens the freedom of movement and the right to reside and settle down anywhere. The acts of vandalism on the streets of Mumbai certainly do not form part of the Marathi culture. No civilised society instigates or advocates acts of violence to meet political ends. MNS workers should be dealt with strictly. The Centre should not remain a silent spectator to the happenings in Mumbai.

Ratan Sharga,

Lucknow

MNS general secretary Shishir Shinde’s demand that Amitabh Bachchan explain why he chose to set up schools in his home State and not in Mumbai reeks of chauvinism. If NRIs take a similar stand, will Mr. Shinde endorse it? The violence orchestrated by MNS cadres shows how regional interests and cultural prejudices can lead to the degeneration of human values. Sure, there is room for Marathi pride, Gujarati pride, and so on, provided such ‘prides’ are kept in check by a more profound pride in humanity.

N.J. Shaji,

Chennai

The violence against north Indians in Maharashtra is inspired by petty politics and out-of-work politicians. Raj Thackeray and his men are trying to hold a city to ransom, which cannot be tolerated. Their actions are a clear infringement of the fundamental right of citizens to reside anywhere and follow a profession of their choice.

Arivendu Bhardwaj,

Gurgaon

Acts of violence as witnessed in Mumbai should be condemned and its perpetrators put down with an iron hand. India is a democratic country and no Indian can claim to be the sole proprietor of a part or whole of the country.

L. Sreeram,

Coimbatore

Quite contrary to Raj Thackeray’s claim, no other cosmopolitan city has benefited like Mumbai from the contribution of people belonging to other parts of the country. Bollywood, the stock market and the string of mills and factories would not have prospered without the hard work of the so-called ‘outsiders.’

Syed Sultan Mohiddin,

Kadapa

As long as there exist vulnerable people who can be divided on the basis of region, religion and caste, politicians will continue to play with rationally void sentiments. Though this ugly fact is evident in Maharashtra, it is a given that it exists in various parts of the country and rears its head at different times.

Compare this with the American elections where a cursory reference to race or gender by a contender will seal the verdict in favour of the victim. It is for the people to change their thinking.

L. Santhosh,

Bangalore

Unity in diversity is what makes our nation unique. Regionalism should be eliminated in all its forms. We are Indians first, not Maharashtrians or north Indians.

Roby Swankutty,

Thiruvananthapuram

The electronic media are leaving no stone unturned to cover the violence and this is adding fuel to the fire. The issue is serious and we need to take some hard decisions. The government cannot afford to be indifferent as such an attitude will trigger a sense of insecurity among the north Indian population in Mumbai.

Rohit Kumar Singh,

Chennai

The politics being played by the MNS is unfortunate. India is a multi-cultural country.

Maharashtrians live across the country and they celebrate all festivals. The Mumbai violence can sow the seeds of danger in the whole country.

V. Ganesan,

Kovilpatti

The ire of MNS activists unleashed on roadside vendors and taxi drivers, as though they constitute the north Indian population in Mumbai grabbing the wealth of the Maratha manus, was ridiculous.

The self-proclaimed champions of Maratha interests should pause to think of what will happen if all Indians gainfully employed or settled abroad are thrown out of their countries.

M.A. Hakeem,

Hyderabad

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