A statement soaked in bigotry

Mumbai for the Maharashtrians is a political agenda that can only end in grand malfunction. But one cannot expect Raj Thackeray, President of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to know that.

Making a statement soaked in bigotry, Thackeray took a step towards sinking a political career even before it was launched. His recent statements may seem to be aimed against the city's burgeoning migrant population, but it could also be interpreted as one designed against the Shiv Sena, from whom he parted ways two years ago.

The MNS and Shiv Sena share a common support base but differ on postures - MNS being militant. The Shiv Sena has played the social card in Mumbai - a city where the rest of India meets on many platforms - before, but divisive ethnic lines do not impress the voters.

A bit part player therefore cannot be allowed to prosper. Mumbai's religious communities must not be provoked.