The last rites of Sri Balasaheb Thackeray at Shivaji Park
in Mumbai witnessed a sea of humanity turned up to pay their last respect to their
beloved leader. This huge turnover of his supporters at the funeral very well
demonstrated the fact that he had created a special place in the hearts of the
Marathi Manus. In the recent past no other political leader or a public figure
commands so much support in any part of our country – about other countries, I
am not sure.
I respect Sri Balasaheb Thackeray for commanding so much
respect among Marathi Manus, however, I remain as ever - opposed to his
philosophy of creating a rift between Marathi Manus and other Indian Manus – simply
because it is against the spirit and constitution of our country where we each of
us have equal right! I also respect him for keeping some check on the
underworld ( i feel so), but am opposed against the tirades and violence he
used to unleash on the poor ‘bhayyas’ who chose Mumbai as their city of dreams! I am also opposed to the way Shiv-Sainiks force their dictat on administration(sic). I shall remain opposed to the way they reacted on the harmless comments of the two city girls on Facebook and subsequently ransacking of hospital of one of their relative - without any reason or rhyme.
Post Sri Balasaheb Thackeray, Shiv-Sena might not be the
same under Udhav and MNS might become more fiery in order to consolidate and establish
its supremacy in Maharashtra. Only time will tell – who among the cousins is
better for Marathi Manus or lesser evil for ‘bhayyas’. But I strongly believe
that Shiv-Sena and MNS won’t be the same again after departure of the strongman.
I only pray that good sense prevails over the cousins and
they steer their political ships respecting the spirit and constitution of
India!
And at the end I wish good luck to AAP – the Aam Aadmi Party of Kejriwal! I pray that it
works with the good intentions that it has been constituted. An ordinary Indian
would be too happy with its success!
