Opinion | Editorials
A statement soaked in bigotry
Raj Thackeray took a step towards sinking a political career before it was even launched
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:41 February 5, 2008
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.
More from Editorials
More from Opinions
Opinion Editor's choice
-
Egyptians must reject foreign meddling
By Tariq Ramadan, Special to Gulf News
Presidential election may turn out to be less a new chapter in a democratic future than an old chapter complete with a stage-managed outcome
-
Moderates may gift Egypt to Islamists
By Linda S. Heard, Special to Gulf News
Liberals cannot afford to sit at home or in cafes watching queues lengthen outside polling stations. They must quit complaining and vote with their feet
-
Is Al Maliki serious about democracy and more words?
By Mohammad Akef Jamal, Special to Gulf News
He is pushing towards a military showdown with the Kurds at a time when they are stronger than ever before
Your turn
