2008 was a year of ups and downs for Mumbai City. Though the down outweighed the ups, it's always good to have an optimistic approach! The two major events that shook the city from its very foundations were the 26/11 Terrorist attacks and Raj Thackeray/MNS Outcry in a bid to elevate the home crowd above their neighbours. Both resorted to a radical approach to prove their point displaying the innumerous loopholes in the efficacy of the Administrative services.
Everyday 20,000 people enter the commercial capital of India to chase their dreams. Some of them are successful proving their assiduous labour, some do not make it big and some dreams are crushed to the ground compelling them to face the harsh pragmatism that follows.
The absence of a strict vigil in the Indian Railways, evading the Octroi officials with heavy bribes and an inefficient coastguard make the city extremely vulnerable to foreign attacks. Qasab and his accolades exploited this dent in the armour. They unleashed their fury in various parts of the city holding people hostage, killing them and also eliminating three vital members of the ATS. Terrorism has taken a toll on matters hampering a country's progress in all directions. It has become more of a business today. The term 'Mercenaries' has been twisted into a cruel barbed wire which can be altered to kill. These terrorists can be tracked to various groups who in the name of 'jihad' are just burning money to instill fear in the common man's mind.
On the flipside is Raj Thackeray, The man behind the 'Marathi Manoos". The man who wants to protect the best interests of his community. However the real question is does he really want the best for 'Marathi Manoos' or is it just another cheap publicity stunt to garner public power? I personally believe he needs to be reminded of his job profile of bringing the country forward and not his linguistic minority. A country can function efficiently if its the best man for the job then be it a 'Bhaiyya' or 'Marathi Manoos'. All his caustic remarks about North Indians have sown seeds of communal terrorism and linguistic difrentiation.
All the riots, morchas and TV interviews are the best method to burn public money adding up to the regression of the country.
What happened to Mr. Thackeray when commandos were flown in from 'North India' to combat Qasab? Isn't it his job to speed up the judicial proceedings for Qasab rather than accept ridiculous penalties like "Qasab booked for ticketless travel!"
All in all this was just an account of what HAS happened. Both of them may seem equal on scale but India is suffering double. We have battled past the years to envision a better India. Terrorism has taken a toll on country's economy. To add to it MNS have done nothing but arouse communal tensions. Regional Terrorism suddenly has a new face. The face that hides behind the cover of protecting the people's rights. Resorting to extreme methods, the valour on glory of India is soiled to the darkest cavern of shame.
The uprising against Anjali Waghmare has just made the point stronger. It depicts the loss of trust in the judiciary panel and represents contempt of court. It has just delayed the proceedings resulting in incessant spending of human resource and the tax-payer's money.
Mr. Thackeray has to realise he has undertaken the job of running the country and that doesnt happen with reservation for 'Marathi Manoos'.
In retrospect, the two faces of Qasab and Thackeray are nothing different. Both of them have evoked tensions which have been tearing the country apart leaving it in shambles. They are two sides of the same coin which is proving detrimental to India's future prospects.
This is not directed towards the 'Marathi Manoos' or Muslims but everyone around, "OPEN YOUR EYES!", "SPOT THE NOT!"
