You all probably know about this by now. Shiv Sena continues to run Bombay (sorry...Mumbai. Apologies if my faux pas causes any riots back home) as its own personal playground. A dug-up pitch here, a morcha there, it's all part of the job. The people's crime this time? Throwing mud on the bust of the Supreme Leader's deceased wife. It is ludicrous that such thuggery is allowed to continue in a free, democratic country such as India.
Frankly, the outrage over the defiling of a mere statue is baffling. If a muddy bust deserves this response, what then of the total meltdown of our civic sense? Does anyone think twice before spitting paan on the street, or littering? Who cares about the maintenance of infrastructure, once built? Potholes remain unfilled, decrepit buildings are left to rot. Granted, it is not like this in all parts of Bombay, and it is unfair to generalise, but there is an unmistakable lack of civic sense wherever I go. If a statue warrants this much attention, then surely the defiling of an entire city must deserve at least a quiet protest from these thugs. After all, aren't they here to protect Maratha pride? Or by 'Maratha pride', do they just mean blatant idol worship?
Frankly, the outrage over the defiling of a mere statue is baffling. If a muddy bust deserves this response, what then of the total meltdown of our civic sense? Does anyone think twice before spitting paan on the street, or littering? Who cares about the maintenance of infrastructure, once built? Potholes remain unfilled, decrepit buildings are left to rot. Granted, it is not like this in all parts of Bombay, and it is unfair to generalise, but there is an unmistakable lack of civic sense wherever I go. If a statue warrants this much attention, then surely the defiling of an entire city must deserve at least a quiet protest from these thugs. After all, aren't they here to protect Maratha pride? Or by 'Maratha pride', do they just mean blatant idol worship?
What's worse, some people are trying to justify the actions of the Sena by drawing parallels to the Mohammad cartoons:
When asked if the Sainiks' protest seemed in danger of growing into a full-scale riot, Prakash Mehta, a BJP MLA in Mumbai, replied: "Why should you mind when we protest? The BJP understands the Shiv Sena's feelings. When a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammad was published in another country Muslims hit Indian streets in protest, but you mind our protest against the desecration of Meenatai's statue."
Astounding logic. I guess one extreme reaction justifies another. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a rampage to go on. Someone insulted Manchester United.
What, and let the SS have all the fun?
What, and let the SS have all the fun?
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