Date:08/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/08/stories/2008030854831002.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Rein him in

Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray’s comments on MPs from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and Biharis in the Sena mouthpiece Saamna are highly provocative and deserve outright condemnation. Mr. Thackeray’s description of Biharis as an unwanted lot betrays his chauvinism. But one should not be surprised at his vitriol.

His nephew, Raj Thackeray, has invaded his constituency and is hogging the limelight for his tirade against north Indians. It is unfortunate that the secular parties are not posing any challenge to Mr. Bal Thackeray’s objectionable statements. Given the Congress track record of dealing with him, this episode will also be soon forgiven and forgotten.

J. Anantha Padmanabhan,

Srirangam

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The silence of the law-enforcing agencies to the dangerously parochial statement of Bal Thackeray shows that we have different sets of laws — one set of laws for the Thackerays and their ilk, and another for the common people who have no political nuisance value.

If the Thackeray family’s internal fight for gaining political ground at all costs violates the Constitution, the Union government is morally bound to take action.

Ved K. Guliani,

Bangalore

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It is Bal Thackeray who is unwanted. I wonder how he will react if all Maharashtrians working in other States and abroad are driven out from there.

It is ruthless hunger and regional disparities that compel a person to migrate.

Rajiv Ranjan,

New Delhi