Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Deplorable

The attack on north Indians in Mumbai by MNS activists, instigated by Raj Thackeray, is deplorable. All communities across India have contributed to the making of what Mumbai is today. The U.S. owes its progress largely to the substantial contribution of immigrant workers, thanks to its liberal policies. Raj Thackeray will do well to concentrate on real issues instead of wasting his time and energy on trivial issues.

T.S. Arunachalam,

Thalassery

After Mamata Banerjee, it seems to be Raj Thackeray’s turn to try and build his sagging political career. But unfortunately, instead of following Mayawati’s strategy to garner support from all sections, he has picked up his uncle’s discarded card of regional chauvinism to build his party. I hope the people of Maharashtra will see through the games of politicians like him, played for their benefit rather than the good of the people.

S.N. Surya Narayan,

Mysore

Raj Thackeray’s tirade against non-Mumbaikars is nothing more than a desperate attempt by a politician to hog the limelight. Given his almost non-existent political career, his efforts at creating a controversy should surprise no one. In fact, he may even win a few votes in the next election.

It is the media which are to blame for giving undue importance to such a non-issue and making it a national issue. They should have ignored this rubbish. But they played into the hands of the MNS and helped it create a controversy.

Badrinatha Tripathy,

Woodland Hills, California

It is ironical that Raj Thackeray is trying to scare away some of Mumbai’s gigantic economic contributors who are not only part of its culture but are also responsible for placing the city on the global map as a financial hub. In the globalised scenario, Raj Thackeray’s obstinate provincialism, if not checked, will prove to be Mumbai’s nemesis.

Subha Gupta,

Jaipur

There is no place for a regional-parochial mindset in a secular, democratic, progressive country. Mumbai-like incidents can damage the delicate social fabric and pose a danger to national integrity.

The Maharashtra government should take appropriate action against Raj Thackeray and his goons so that no one can play with the people’s sentiments to harvest political gains.

Deva Kishan Indiwar,

New Delhi

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