The beleaguered North Indian migrants in the city are out to prove their Maharashtrian-ness. After being targeted in turns - with physical attacks
The beleaguered North Indian migrants in the city are out to prove their Maharashtrian-ness. After being targeted in turns - with physical attacks allegedly by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena activists and verbal ones by the Shiv Sena, May 1, or Maharashtra Day, will be the opportunity being seized by the North Indian community to prove that they are indeed part of the Maharashtrian ethos and culture.
The situation is indeed tailormade for all political parties to take advantage, especially with the state elections barely a year away.
In fact, not only are they celebrating the day in Mumbai, some have even planned to celebrate it in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The day marks the formation of the Maharashtra state.
While the events across the city have Congress leaders, ministers from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and even Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray as chief guests, it is no surprise that MNS chief Raj Thackeray does not figure in any of the events.
Congress spokesman Sanjay Nirupam has invited several dignitaries for a discussion on the role of migrants in the development of Mumbai. He will also launch an e-newspaper and a website, wethemigrants.com, where migrants from across the country can post their opinions and discuss their problems.
He said state leaders have been unable to address the problems of migrants. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he said the government’s move to reserve 80 per cent of jobs in new industries for local people had defeated the spirit of the Constitution.
Uttar Prabha, an organisation supported by the NCP, has composed an anthem on Mumbai for Maharashtra Day. The organisation held a function in Malad on the eve of Maharashtra Day in which NCP leader DP Tripathi, deputy chief minister RR Patil, Rajya Sabha member Supriya Sule, Congress leader Kripa Shankar Singh, and BJP leader Vinod Tavde took part.
“We celebrated UP Day on January 24. We are celebrating Maharashtra Day with the same respect,” said Amar Mishra, convener of the programme. Amarjeet Mishra, a BJP leader from Mumbai, will celebrate Maharashtra Day in Varanasi.
Mishra and his group have planned various North Indian and Marathi cultural programmes for the day. “Varanasi has a historical connection with Maharashtra,” he said. “Many Maharashtrian families have been living there for the past six generations or more. Some have even forgotten Maharashtrian culture. We had a discussion with one such family, and they are happy to know that we are celebrating Maharashtra Day in Varanasi.”
Kripa Shankar Singh, ex-minister, said some people were trying to disturb the city’s communal harmony by raising the issue. And this was a good time to show those people that Mumbaikars respected all cultures, he said. Singh has organised North Indian cultural programmes, along with Lavani performances, at BKC.
Uttar Bhartiya Vikas Parishad will celebrate the day at Andheri. Uddhav Thackeray will be the chief guest. Mayor Shubha Raul, too, will be present.
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