The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Destructive politics

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Wednesday, Feb 13, 2008
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Destructive politics

Self-styled leaders such as Raj Thackeray of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena rake up emotional and divisive issues to instigate innocent people. Such destructive politics causes enormous damage to the national fabric. Every Indian salutes the contribution of Maharashtrians to nation building. Similarly, many non-Maharashtrians have contributed to the enrichment of Mumbai.

The sub-continent is passing through a very sensitive phase. We have to insulate our nation from the forces of instability emanating from our neighbourhood, sitting on a burning volcano that may erupt at any moment. Time is to bind our society with the threads of nationalism and secularism.

S. Abdul Khadar,

Kurnool

* * *

Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray’s declaration that he will not tolerate any attempt to deny jobs to the sons of the soil in Mumbai is unfortunate. Such inflammatory statements, made by politicians to remain in the limelight, are dangerous.

Any kind of publicity is good publicity for them. Such acts of dividing society on the basis of caste and religion should be strongly condemned.

Shruti Pathak,

Dhenkanal

* * *

People belonging to different regions have their own feelings of nativity, notwithstanding the fact that they belong to India first. We give precedence to our local language. State rulers call upon NRIs belonging to their region to contribute to the development of their State. While all this is justifiable, what is not is violence against people coming from other regions in search of livelihood. All of us belong to one nation.

S. Ramanathan,

Hyderabad

* * *

Private television channels are posing a nuisance for the maintenance of law and order. They sensationalise news by repeatedly making a reference to it. The latest is the registration of a police case against Raj Thackeray and Abu Azmi. This is sure to charge some sections emotionally, creating law and order problems. It is hoped that television channels will exercise their freedom of expression responsibly.

V.S. Ganeshan,

Bangalore

* * *

Raj Thackeray’s tirade against “outsiders,” and subsequent acts of violence against north Indian taxi drivers and hawkers are most unfortunate and uncalled for. No doubt, there are many, including myself, who feel agonised at the sight of hundreds of migrants taking over Mumbai.

But instead of instigating violence against those coming into the city, our leaders should ensure that the existing laws are implemented when our footpaths and other open spaces are encroached upon, water and electricity are stolen, and vote-banks consolidate. If that is done, the influx of people into the city will be automatically curbed.

G.R. Vora,

Mumbai

* * *

I accept without a second thought that the problem of migration from other States to Mumbai is a matter of serious concern.

But we have no right to paralyse life in the State to express our fears. Raj Thackeray should try to find a political solution to the problem

Ramdev Mani,

New Delhi

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