The government of Maharashtra knows that Balasaheb Thackeray has used far more provocative language, incited communal passions, openly advocated violence and even praised the “bravery” of the Shivsainiks who participated in arson and murder. So far Raj has not degenerated to that level. If the state government decides to take action against Raj, it will have to explain why it was so soft all these years on his uncle and his cousin. Moreover, the state government knows that even its ministers resort to Marathi chauvinism to get votes or to split the SS and MNS votes. This is election season and Raj knows that the established leadership of all parties is afraid of losing the support of the “locals”. There will be great clamour for action against Raj, but as the home minister has said, he is “examining the case and studying his speech”. That “study and the examination” won’t be ending anytime soon.

The writer is editor, ‘Loksatta’ kumar.ketkar@expressindia.com