Shiv Sena is Hurting Marathi Interests
It is very clear that the Indian government has a major problem on its hands in Maharashtra. The Shiv Sena is not only challenging the state and central governments authority over the state but is also trying to influence India’s foreign policy. If the government does not handle this swiftly and cleverly then it has the potential to become another long lasting, expensive and violent problem like the Maoists or the Telangana issues.
The Shiv Sena’s tactic is three pronged and they are in conflict with each other. The Sena is trying to covey the message to the Hindus that they are the defenders of the Hindu faith. They also think they know how to run India’s foreign policy and protect Indian interests. At the same time they are also appealing to certain Marathi’s who feel that they are second class citizens in their own state.
Maharashtra is one of the most important states in India economically. What happens in places like Mumbai and Pune affect the rest of India. Unlike many states in India that have seen their economy improve in recent years Maharashtra has always been one of the key engines of Indian economy. Moving to Mumbai after graduating to find a decent living has been a trend in India even in the 50’s.
The Shiv Sena has cleverly exploited these “immigrants” for their own political ends. They have used intimidation and violence to try and force these immigrants back where they came from. They have forced immigrants to assimilate themselves to the local culture. How can this strategy against the immigrants be in sync with the Sena’s strategy of appealing to the Hindu’s nationwide? It does not since many of these immigrants who are victimized are Hindu’s themselves.
The entertainment industry is a major component of the Mumbai economy. If the Sena gets tough on the key figures of this industry who if any benefits? The reality is that nobody benefits except the Shiv Sena but there are many losers particularly the Marathi’s.
Tax revenue from the entertainment industry is a major part of any Indian state government’s revenue. When you attempt to block a potential blockbuster movie from being screened in Maharashtra and particularly Mumbai who stands to loose? The owners and employees of the theatres, the financiers and producers of the movie and the state government stand to lose millions of dollars in revenue. This directly impacts the local Marathi people.
Now the Sena is trying to leverage its local support and trying to influence India’s foreign policy. It has issued warnings on who can or cannot visit the state which has created an environment of fear and intimidation. I am a firm believer that the foreign policy of a nation is best when it is in the hands of the central government.
The people of India have spoken and have elected the Congress Party to lead it. Once the elections are completed we should give them a fair chance to lead the nation whether we agree with their policies or not. The Sena is trying to push the government polices to the right and force the governments hand on Pakistan and Australia which might politically make sense to the Sena but might not to the rest of the nation.
The history of the world is full of great cities that have risen and fallen and a few that have stood the test of time and remained relevant. Mumbai is a city in India that has stood the test of time. But supporting the Shiv Sena and the likes might be the beginning of the end for Mumbai’s run as the most important city in India.
This crisis is also a great opportunity for other cities like Bangalore and Chennai who are in direct competition with Mumbai for investments and ideas. I would encourage them to look at ways to entice businesses that are currently based in Mumbai or thinking of setting up business in Mumbai. Ultimately the only way support for such groups will end is when we realize that our support is beginning to hurt our wallet.
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- Australia Should Be Allowed to Play Cricket in Mumbai
- Should I Relocate to Pakistan?
Category: News & Government