Condemnable Politics

Sent to THE HINDU on march 08 2008

The divisive politics as taken up by the likes of Bal Thackrey poses a grave threat to the integrity of the country whose very foundation lies on the manner in which the diversities of its culture are intertwined into one united nation. The baneful tactic was first used by Bal Thackrey in the 60s which led to the formation of Shiv Sena, at that time it was launched against the people of South India and as we ourselves can see, it turned out to be a great success. The same time-tested formula is being used again but with a slight modification of targeting the North-Indians. An important point to note is that it is us the "united non parochial citizens" - as we again and again like to call ourselves, that led to the success of this condemnable methodology in the past. As long as we the citizens get disillusioned by such petty politics and vote them to power such shameful events will occur. Isn't it sad that in a city like mumbai where people are considered to be an educated and sensible lot fall for such hollow claims of local patriotism. The perpetrators of these events should be punished but side by side the citizens should prove to such chauvinist organizations that they can not be fooled by such acts of narrow mindedness.