Let us see what the state government did after Raj Thackeray’s acerbic campaign. Only after taking permission from the Union home ministry on February 11 a half-hearted case was registered against Raj Thackeray, while a case was immediately filed against Samajwadi Party MP Abu Azmi for his rightful reaction against the former’s statement. Raj Thackeray was finally arrested but released within minutes. His supporters continued to engage in the worst forms of violence. In this situation, the state government should have resigned and if that did not happen the central government should have imposed president’s rule.

It was the result of the government’s silence that Uddhav Thackeray also started making inflammatory statements. Mumbai and Thane became centres for anti-north Indian hate attacks for three days. Chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh kept quiet, as if he was passively supporting the issue Raj was espousing. It seems Mumbai is afraid of the Thackerays.

Is Raj Thackeray above the Constitution and rule of law? Why did the Maharashtra Chief Minister come to Delhi to take permission for arresting him? I am questioning whether the state and central governments are willing to take the blame for the chaos caused by Raj Thackeray’s illegal campaign.

Those who keep regional interest above national interest cannot be trusted to lead the nation. The population of Mumbai is 16 million; of these, 4.5 million people belong to north India. This is why Uddhav Thackeray had started appearing in social events of north Indians to woo them. All political parties in Maharashtra have reconciled to the fact that only ‘Marathi pride’ will not be enough to enjoy power in the state. That’s why in 2004 the ‘mee Mumbaikar’ agitation was stopped. Raj Thackeray is well aware of this and when he had formed his party he wanted to do the opposite of what he is doing now. But recent reverses in local elections have marginalised him. This is perhaps his last bid to claim the place of his uncle, Bal Thackeray.

... contd.