Maharashtra – The Greater Nation

India – “Bharat”, consists of 28 states. All the states are named either showcasing there geographical identity like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal or there regional indigenous like Gujarat, Nagaland etc. However, there is something distinctive about the nomenclature identity of Maharashtra which is exceptional; its self identification is national. And it stands rock solid on it not only because of its area but because of the contribution (~15%) to national GDP, its political clout at center, dominance in the field of Hindi cinema, its infrastructural development in the education sector and industrial sector. Also, presence of sea shores provides ample opportunities for inter country trade.

With all these facts Maharashtra seems to be the benign destination for making your hub. Is it so though? The 1993 Mumbai Blasts, serial blasts in local trains, Terrorist attack on multiple posh locations and so on, kept banging the question of safety. Amid all these unwanted disturbances sponsored by other state factors, there are some in house disturbances faced by this very greater nation Maharashtra.

In 90’s whenever someone used to talk about Maharashtra, the first name that used to ponder in one’s mind was of Balasaheb Thackrey. The same prerogative is being enjoyed by Raj Thackrey, son of younger brother of Balasaheb.  It is impossible and improbable to discuss Mumbai/Maharashtra without the mention of these two heavy weight figures. Raj Thackrey who is cartoonist himself, once desired to work for Disney world, came into the spotlight after he distanced himself from the parent party Shiv Sena and formed another party Maharashtra NavNirman Sena. And he has made his agenda clear by his fervent opposition of migrants, stressing the use of Marathi in day to day proceedings, banning media from his press conference, his antagonist remarks on people of UP and Bihar and so on.

The migrants issue in Maharashtra is not something that has come up for the first time. In 1960’s the concurrent issue propagated in slightly different proposition. As per the statements of him, the blame of the blasts lies on the shoulders of the north Indians and migrant population, including illegal Bangladesh’s. In an interview, he further stressed and reiterated on the aspect that the North Indians who according to him are accomplice in these terror blasts. I believe that this accomplished person Raj Thackrey may be correct in mentioning that these terror blasts or terror activities can’t be carried out without local help. However, identifying them as North Indians and demanding to throw them out is not only rude but baseless. This seems that if a child in a house commits a mistake then he should be thrown out. In the political agitations the arson and vandalism damages the public property which includes the MNS people as well. Should a restraining order be passed against them that they should not be allowed to enter in the state? How can a term like migrants come into the picture? Maharashtra is part of India and all citizens including the people of Bihar should be free to move anywhere. Isn’t this against the national unity? Is the Success, development, status of Maharashtra only because of Marathi’s living there? The other sects don’t have any contribution in this? How can something like this be justified?

The other prominent issue is that of Marathi language. This affair concerns the cultural identity of Maharashtra. Every state has its own local language. And cognizance of local language is a big plus. I affirm the local language is something that intact us to that state. And there is no harm in pursuing such aim or agenda. Having said that, it should be up to that particular individual in what manner, way language he/she should speak. I comprehend and empathize to the demands of the promotion of Marathi language but this should be fulfilled keeping the fundamental rights of a citizen in mind. Also, the respect of the anything be it language should be from inside. Compulsion never results in favorable outcomes. No one is so immature to understand this minute thing. Can someone please make me understand how the beating and violence in legislative assembly over an oath is appropriate? Is banning other languages acknowledges the purpose of promotion of local language?

There are other agitations like “Mumbai-Bombay Controversy: Wake Up Sid”, “Demand for introduction of Telecom customer service in Marathi”,” 2011 Attacks on Auto Drivers”,” Reaction to Jaya Bachchan's controversial statement”. These agitations made Raj Thackrey, a person from whom the whole political arena fears, business class fears. This fear is mainly induced because of the inaction of the local government. I would also like to highlight the interesting case of Jet Airways layoffs in which the pilots were shredded. After being threatened by the same person Raj Thackrey they were reinstated. In the same very case the honorable aviation minister was helpless mentioning the intricacies of the law and decision. Now how encouraging is this?

While one must condemn anything that weakens the social integrity of the nation, however no can be blindfolded on the current social and political realities of Maharashtra. The biggest slum is in Mumbai. This is because of the huge population blast that is mainly because of the people flooding from other states/region to Mumbai in need of employment. It is astonishing and astounding that the current population of Mumbai is more than the combined population of 9 states.  The municipal governance is deteriorating for this very reason. Crime is encouraged because of the unemployment and slums in the state.

Mumbai is decaying. It is, therefore, distressing that certain local political formations in Maharashtra succumb to the temptation of parochialism. Mahatma Gandhi said “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind”. How true? The solution of any problem does not lie in violence. In case you find a solution, how can one be certain about its duration? These problems will be solved when the country will develop as a whole not when a city or a state is reaches the pinnacle of success. People also don’t like to flee leaving everything behind. The rational thinking and continuous efforts can lead us to where we have peace and stability, self sufficiency.

“I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent. – Mahatma Gandhi. Let’s leave the evil behind and wish for a peaceful co-existence.