Inter-state politics raises ugly head

A new face of instability is rearing its head in India: inter-state unrest. And if not addressed rapidly and emphatically, it threatens to swirl out of control. It would appear that India's current problem is not so much in arresting cross-border terrorism as it is in curbing the increasingly militant face of inter-state politics.

The perceived inaction of the Maharashtra government in restricting the irresponsible policies adopted by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray is a case in point. Thackeray's philosophies against the rest of his countrymen from neighbouring states, especially north India and Bihar, go against the very concept of the vibrant texture of Indian democracy.

It will ultimately fail. Being the world's largest fully functioning democracy means giving the citizens a voice - which they must articulate in a rational manner. India belongs to all Indians and their movements within the country, for whatever reason, cannot be restricted.