Regional Nationalism and growing xenophobia
What if one doesn’t speak Marathi in Maharashtra? Well, if you’re a South Indian it’s OK because you contribute to the economy. But if you’re from Bihar or UP, then you’ll be beaten up because you’re a criminal. This is how Raj Thackeray’s head works, and the idea has a substantial following. That this should happen in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in India is very horrifying.
Tamil Nadu fights for water with Karnataka constantly and Karnataka reacts by burning the Tamil Sangam office in Bangalore and preventing the screening of Tamil movies.
Regional pride is acceptable in a country as diverse as India. It is indeed good because it will ensure the survival of regional customs and practices. But intolerance of foreign languages and festivals is criminal. Hatred of foreigners is xenophobia and it is not restricted to just the hatred of non-Indians, but of people different from one’s own.
In a democracy, one should also have the freedom to hate, says Raj Thackeray. Sure enough, personal opinions and prejudices can be tolerated. But instigating violence and hatred in an entire population against another population is not a freedom enshrined in democracy. It is quintessential of the Taleban and any other terrorist organization.
When a political party promotes hate calling it freedom of expression, what is to be done? The British Nationalist Party in Britain promotes hatred of anybody that is not British on the basis of race, skin colour and religion, and unfortunately it is much condoned and the British are allowed to vote for this monstrosity in the polls.
Personal freedoms can be allowed in a democracy to any extent so long as they don’t harm others. However, promotion of hatred and violence by organizations, especially political parties, should not be condoned at all. Fortunately, all other political parties have opined against this xenophobic rant. But the Election Commission should take cognizance of the matter and de-recognize Maharashtra Navnirman Sena for promoting violence and hatred.
Well, if the Indian government can ban terrorist organizations for causing violence, can it not ban this xenophobic sena?
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