The Gunda-Raj in Maharashtra doesn't seem to die as of now. It's just spreading like wild fire . What's the fight basically about ? Why is North India and West India (Read Maharashtra) divided all of a sudden ? Who's to be blamed ? Who's affected ? Common man like us. Will this ever end ? This blog is neither a bashing for Mr. Raj Thackeray nor is it a bashing for UP/Biharis. This is a blog from a common "Indian". An Indian,who wants to live in peace and not in haste . An Indian who loves his country more than any specific culture of India. An Indian, who neither hates Mumbai ( Maharashtra ) nor hates North Indians.

Feb 9th 2008 : MNS (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena ) , a political outfit of Maharashtra starts its violent campaign against Biharis/ UPs (North Indians ) , to protest against the lack of facilities provided to Maharashtrians in their own state, in Railways. By the term "Violent" , I quite literally mean it. Beating , Lathi-charge, Bashing up , Pelting stones over Taxis , Autos (Run by North Indians ). The same day I was traveling in an Auto,which I reckon was run by a Maharashtrian. I was unaware of the situation , neither was the Auto-Driver. I was heading to my office , and on the way , a stone hit the Auto's front portion near Santa Cruz area. The driver was obviously pissed ( He didn't know the situation ). He headed straight towards the guy who had the guts to stand infront of him despite knowing what he did. That guy was having a huge stick with him. Oblivious to the situation , the driver asked him on what on earth was he thinking while throwing that stone. The guy asked - "Are u from UP Or Bihar ?" . The driver replied back that he was from Satara ( Maharashtra ). After listening to this , the guy apologized and said that the political party would pay for the breakage charges.He informed him about the situation ahead and warned him not to go ahead. Now u guys must be wondering, y was that question of his source asked ? Read on... Despite of the warning,I insisted the driver to go ahead , as it must be some prank. The driver was skeptical , but went ahead. We were just talking about the situation..the North -West divide. He was quick to back the Political Outfit , claiming that whatever agitation they r under going, is quite justified since they (Maharashtrians ) are outnumbered by the Biharis in Railways. I asked him - " Agreed, but then , don't u ppl appear for the Railways' Exam as well ?". He replied in an affirmative tone. He went to to say - "What are we asking ? Place in our own state ? Isn't it pathetic ? ". I wanted to stay away from all this but couldn't resist.I asked him - "U want to "ask" ? What do u mean ? Whoever clears the exam, only will be getting a seat. There's no easy way out for this . U can't achieve success with the help of these hooligans". The driver was quiet ... may be he understood what I meant. He turned his head back, and asked me whether I'am from North India? I smiled and gave an answer - "I'm neither from South,nor North..neither East nor West.I'am an Indian"

Oct. 21st 2008: Same story... I was in an auto which was driven by a UP guy. The guy was obviously nervous to take me , due to the sensitive situation, but I assured him that nothing wud happen. The debate of UP,Bihar - Maharashtra divide ignited once again , with the driver asserting that they are right in what they r doing. He said that there's nothing but unemployment and poverty in his state, so they have no other option but to come down to Mumbai to earn a living. So, where else do they go ?!

Who's to be blamed now ? Going by the way the driver said, I think the State Govt. of UP and Bihar are at fault. The govt. failed to provide employment , shelter , food to their own sons. As a state, both UP and Bihar have completely failed. But what's new in this ? This city has been a city of dreams for all "outsiders". If u've noticed a common stuff about this city , we all know that this city is cosmopolitan. Infact , the city has only 40 % of the population which are maharashtrians.Rest,needless to mention, are from various parts of India. So what's wrong in it ? While I presume to be neutral in this North-West divide , all I can say is that we ain't going to achieve anything from this . Who achieves from this? Politicians . While I feel that Raj Thackeray (MNS Chief ) is 50 % true in what he claims , and 50 % insane , I also support the Biharis who are 50 % right in their own stance. But eventually the common man's suffering... Either ways, from Bihar's point of view or Maharashtra's point of view ; It's a loss only for India. A country with such contrasting colors of problems , who are fighting amongst themselves to earn a piece of bread. One on side, where we are celebrating for the success of Nuclear Power signing with US , we are also peeved by such obstacles. It's a pity that these people ( Maharashtrians ) are only being fooled by the "son of the soil", who are spreading disharmony and are proving to be a huge threat to the National Integrity. However I do agree somehow with his point , but if he gets down to goonda-ism ,it's just not going to work. Come let's stay united , Come let's make India one.