The Organiser editorial takes strong exception to Raj Thackeray’s hate campaign in Mumbai and condemns it unequivocally. The magazine says playing upon sectarian loyalties is originally a Congress tactic. “It is unthinkable that Mumbai witnessed the kind of goondaism in the name of preserving its ethnic identity. Raj Thackeray, who claims to speak for the people of Mumbai, has obviously got his priorities wrong... Any attempt to divide the country in the name of caste, region, language or religion strikes at the root of Indianness and politicians who play such a divisive game to further their obnoxious self-interest should be abhorred.” it says. Further “...For centuries it has been the confluence of cultural streams, it beckoned people from all walks of life and created a proud, glorious tradition unique in its own magnificent way. It is for no other reason that Mumbai is the corporate capital of the country and India’s own Hollywood. No right thinking leader will try to slur this image. As for Amitabh Bachchan, he is an Indian idol, his mass appeal and popularity have no parallel and he is loved and respected by all Indians. Such personalities are not confined in the matrix of regionalism.

“Congress has a long history of fomenting such narrow sectarian loyalties for immediate political gains. It had done it with Bhindranwale in Punjab earlier and is now doing the same with Dera Sacha Sauda. It has helped sectarian elements in the Northeast and Jammu Kashmir. It encouraged Bangladeshi infiltration in Assam and West Bengal. Few months ago under its government in Assam, ULFA, with which many believe it has a secret understanding, mowed down dozens of innocent Hindi-speaking people. The culprits are yet to be brought to book and punished.”

... contd.