Mumbai is special to me. I have spent some very happy years of my childhood there and have some very pleasant memories to carry forward ever since. But what is now happening there is distressing. And that Mumbai is in distress, is disturbing to me.

Why has this Raj Thackerey (RT) suddenly shot to fame? If RT's main purpose/aim was to do good to the marathi's, he could have concentrated on a lot of other things. The thought that he can start a school or a community welfare center for the marathi's has unfortunately not occured to him. Instead of good deeds like these, why has he resort to violence and bloodshed to prove a point. RT wanted publicity and he won it. but the losers- are the stupid MNS workers and the public. So many lives lost and thorough destruction of public property. I dint reallize that this was a way of showing concern towards fellow maharashtrians. To kill in the name of religion and destroy structures in the name of concern shows how much respect he has for his state. Why doesnt he realize that violence is not a way of scoring a political point?

RT needs to get three things clear:
Firstly, Mumbai (earlier Bombay) was created by Parsi's, Gujarathi's, Marathi's and Brits. How can you drive out of your city, communities that have been responsible for the formation of your city. The city belongs to them as much as it belongs to the Marats.
Secondly, the Bachan issue. Loads of mumbaikars have in the years been benefitted by AB, with or without his knowing. More important, Mumbai is not going to lose anything because he moves out of the state. No state is dependent on just one man.
Thirdly,I dont mean to be arrogant, but in my belief, Mumbai cannot survive one day without the so- called non- maharashtrians. If the native marats are capable of something, let them prove it. Mumbai has ample opportunities for everyone

I just think this whole Raj Thackerey issue has blown out of proportion. there is absolutely no need to create a ruckus about the non - maharashtrians. Why are people losing focus? India is a free country and every person living in this country is free to live and work anywhere. Why are people forgetting the bigger picture -You are first an Indian. If you cannot respect a fellow human being, how can you be a good patriot?

Lastly, before I conclude, I want to add - the media is largely responsible for all this drama. I dont know why an insignificant person like Raj thackerey deserved so much importance and publicity. Had he not been encouraged by the media, he would have realized that there isnt much that he can do with his worthless principles.