Is Raj Thakre a Saviour of Marathi Manoos

It seems to be debate season. I had been reading this particular debate for some time and I am surprised that a lot of people whom we considered educated and sensible are being easily manipulated by Raj for his political gains. Let us consider some points.

1. Raj’s political aspirations were not getting fulfilled with his Uncle. So he floated a new party. Even a novice can clearly understand that Raj needed a platform after he started his new party. What’s a better way to start with, then fanning out regionalism when it has so many takers? If Raj was so sincere about the Marathi Manoos he should have stayed with his Uncle so that they could have fought united for the rights of their people. It shall also be noted that Siv Sena had been in govt. at the state and they did not do anything like that. It’s very easy to make mountains of a mole-hill when you are in opposition and not responsible for anything. Do you think Raj can fulfil his promises if he becomes next CM?

2. Can anybody agree to the funny idea raised by Raj that people from other part of the country shall not settle in Maharashtra? We are already paying the price for what Mr. Nehru did by granting this status to Kashmir. We were unfortunate that Nehru got upper hand on a more honest and sincere politician like Patel. (The word politician has acquired such a derogatory meaning that using it for Sardar Patel seems like insulting him).

3. One of the Raj supporters has floated an idea that governments of northern states shall pay some percentage of their revenues to Maharashtra for accommodating their people. Isn’t it a foolish suggestion? Isn’t it like India paying USA, Gulf countries and even Korea for providing employment to Indians?

4. Some people also start listing the misdeeds of Lalu or Maya or Mulayam and thus condone the acts of Raj. It’s like saying the politicians from north are corrupt and criminals so we shall also have corrupt and criminal politicians. What the ilk of Laloo, Malaya, Maya etc have done to these states is for everybody to see. Fortunately so far the politicians of other states although not honest, have lagged behind in this loot. Do you now want to drag Maharashtra from being a better developed state (as compared to UP or Bihar etc) to the same level.

5. One more thing that shall be kept in mind is that some cities or areas have some natural geo-political advantage over the other areas for business. They naturally develop as centres for trade and business. The Britishers were not Marathi Manus for having a soft heart for Mumbai. They promoted business in Mumbai because the harbour suited their business needs. After Independence it was naturally going to be the first choice for new businesses since it was already developed as a business centre. Such areas will always attract business and industries and will bring influx of working class with it. You can not say YES to the industrialists and no to the workers.
All industrialists in Maharashtra are not owned by the natives. Ambanis are not Marathi; Ratan Tata was born to Gujarati speaking Parsis. If you welcome Industries you shall welcome the associated labour force with it. Those who work more, work efficiently, and create less trouble will always be the first choice.

6.Almost half of South Korea's population live in the Seoul National Capital Area, and nearly one quarter in Seoul itself, making it the country's chief economic, political and cultural center. Do we expect people from seoul to cry foul and start attacking people coming there from other areas in Korea. Fortunately the Koreans are wise . They tell with pride that seoul is home to ¼ of it’s population. Their politicians are also know this . So instead of indulging in antisocial and antinational acts like Raj they work for betterment of society and developing other provinces and cities.

7. Sometimes we feel that the decline in democratic values in our country is due to lack of education. It’s due to lack of awareness that whole lot of politicians like Lalu, Mulayam, Maya and Thakeres get elected to the governing bodies.
But we can not blame the uneducated masses when our so called highly educated brothers and sisters believe in the histrionics of these corrupt and criminal politicians.

8. Now, what is the solution. Our governments both at state and national level has to recognise their mistake that our development plans have been concentrated around the metros. It’s not only Mumbai’s problem. Delhi has the same problem. They shall plan for somewhat equal development of all areas. Not everybody wants to go far from home to earn his bread if it is available nearby. If Raj is sincere he shall start industries in remote places of Maharashtra. Latur or Chandrapur will be equally attractive if somebody can earn , live and save as in Mumbai.


Navnit