The recent public statement of Raj Thackeray is an open challenge to integrity and unity of India. Such politics and politicians should be eliminated from Indian politics to safeguard our tuned existence. In no sense the statement by Thackeray is different from that of several separatists. He has attacked unity of India and must be punished by either central or state government. Our CM and central Railway minister have reacted rightly and promptly. Their reactions are spirited with feelings of a common Bihari people. People of Bihar do think like that and also people from any region of India has right to make such gentle reactions if face such unsocial attacks. But these responsible personalities should not only make statements, rather should ensure safety of people and punishment of such anti-social elements. It’s height ! we can not live with freedom anywhere in our own country. Thackeray's statement is worst example of poisonous regionalism which will make lives hellish. For the survival of India what it is, such mentalities must not get support for any reason.

The reason for saying no comment by a leader like Ravi Shankar Prasad is surprising however not unexpected in politics. I still remember a beautiful line of Prem Chand from Panch Prameshwar : "BIGAR KEE DAR SE IMAN KEE VAT NA KAHOGE". - Rajkishore Prasad, Japan - Mar. 11, 2007

Even I am sensing riot like situation in near future. Raj Thackeray is not an individual, but a mentality that I believe most of non-Bihari Indians possess today. They are just waiting for an opportunity to butcher Biharis.

If people of other states believe that they are safe and echo their tunes with Thackerays against Biharis then they are digging graves for themselves in days to come, after Biharis, they will be next target; after all sole target is to expel all non-Maharashtrians.

The Thackerays cleverly using micro technique to segregate and pin point particular community, otherwise game will be between Maharashtrians and Non-Maharashtrians, and it will be difficult to win over. Once the war on Biharis is over, the action will propagate to next community on pipeline.

The circumstances are quite serious and the ground reality is that no politicians from Bihar can rescue their fellow citizens once the situation goes out of control. In this human jungle, the predators exists everywhere and eyeing on us, the moment they inhale us weak, we will be eaten up. To rescue oneself, the only way is to retaliate. If one hits you a Thappad on Kan ke niche, then hits him back with sood and byaaj. If not possible on that moment then later, but retaliate. The iron cuts iron and the fear cuts fear. - Parshuram - Mar. 11, 2007

Apne gali mein kutta bhi sher hota hai. However, calling the Thackerays and other separatists like them 'kutta' would be an insult to the dogs! - Rajiv Chandra - Mar. 11, 2007

Thackeray and sons have always gained politically by playing the Non-Marathi tantrum in Maharashtra. Raj Thackeray's new stunt is nothing but a repeat of same old TUNTAA applied on to easy going Marathis. But, the alarming part of this story is, during last municipal elections, his ‘Tuntaa’ has worked very well on majority of low-profiled Marathis folks and that’s where I sense the danger for national unity.

Let’s see what it will mean to the politicians sitting in Delhi who have been given a 5 year contract to maintain the so called ‘national-integrity’ and have been blessed with all possible luxury of a human life to keep the so called integrity intact. For Raj Thackeray, I will say he will never be able to push Biharis up to the breaking point and HE WILL NEVER BE POPULAR ENOUGH TO CROSS THE BORDER OF MAHARASHTRA OR MAY BE, EVEN MUMBAI AS A POLITICAL LEADER.

And the Bihari leaders should stop just giving statements and ‘Bhashan’ on such critical issues and THEY MUST WORK DAY AND NIGHT TO GENERATE JOBS IN BIHAR AND ALSO MAKE SURE THE FARMERS ARE DOING THE FARMING WITH EASE ON THEIR OWN FARMING LAND. There are thousands of Bihari farmers who have good farming land in Bihar but they do not have enough money to do the farming, as a result they run out of Bihar to work as a ‘Majdoor’. I feel ashamed when I read that the Bihari politicians are fighting for their own security and for parking lot instead of taking care of such issues.

This is crazy, as if you do not get a deserved self respect in you own country then where else you think of it? JALALAT ki bhi Hadd Hoti Hai!! - Narendra Singh - Mar. 11, 2007

An attempt to start an anti-Bihari movement in Mumbai has been going on for a while, but it tends to fizzle out. In 2003 the Shiv Sena launched the movement Bihari Ani Bhaiyya Bahar Kada Mohim (the movement to drive away all Biharis and bhaiyyas):

On November 21, 2003 Raj Thakeray said :

"This is just the trailer, just see what happens to these Biharis and bhaiyyas if they do not heed our warning." See this link.

It is not in-evitable that every Maharashtrian will listen to Raj Thackeray.

We should relax! - Reza Sami SC, USA - Mar. 11, 2007

The opinion of Mumbai based leaders is not in line with unity and thought of one India. Biharis are there in many states including in many countries on their own merit and due to their hard work. Similarly, the so called outsiders are also there in Bihar on similar grounds. Leaders should help to keep the masses united and maintain harmony for better India. - T. S. P. Sinha - Mar. 11, 2007

Some feel Pakistan considers India a soft target as our reactions to provocation are slow and dull. What do the scum of Indian politics think? Do they think any differently? They too consider India as a country where you can create social disorder, throw the Constitution in the waste dump, be unpatriotic and get away with it. In fact they gain from it. While we fight terrorism from across borders let us effectively fight the trouble makers in our society who cause a greater harm to the country than the combined effect of all terrorist activities.

India can not develop fast if there is social disorder and lawlessness. They call Bharat "Mata" and then set out to loot, plunder and rape her. With such leaders among us do we need enemies from outside to destabilize our country? These leaders are the country's enemy No. 1. - Rajesh - Mar. 12, 2007

What an article.

Whenever there is anything against Biharis in Maharashtra, I have seen the entire Bihari community writing long articles.

May I request any Bihari of you to condemn the action against Biharis in Assam and Manipur.

I am sure any Bihari of you do not have that strength to write. - Yogesh Kenkare - Mar. 12, 2007

Yogesh, I am sure you do not read PatnaDaily on regular basis? The Assam incident was debated in detail on PatnaDaily.Com. Correct yourself as there is no lake of strength in Biharis. Its all your visual myopia making you feel like that. I feel like laughing on your challenge on strength of writing by Biharis. I hope you would be able to get the point. - Narendra Singh - Mar. 13, 2007

Mr. Kenkare:

Obviously you have never visited PatnaDaily.Com before. Before you shoot down a Bihari, I suggest you check out previous articles in the Readers Write section. A quick Google search yielded many results; below are just a few of them.

http://www.patnadaily.com/readerswrite/2007/jan/rajesh_kumar.html

http://www.patnadaily.com/readerswrite/2007/jan/naren_singh1.html

http://www.patnadaily.com/readerswrite/2007/jan/vivek_singh1.html

http://www.patnadaily.com/readerswrite/2006/may/bhaskaranand_jha2.html

Moreover, since when it has become a crime to defend one's own state, or country, for that matter? Weren't the Maharashtrians, along with people from other states, just a few days ago raising hell about the so-called racial discrimination involving Shilpa Shetty? Let's replace your own statement from Bihar to India and from India to England, "Whenever there is anything against Indians in England, I have seen the entire Indian community writing long articles."

How does it feel now?

If you have any sense, you will join the rest of us in decrying a moron like Raj Thackeray, or his godfather Bal Thackeray and his entire clan. - Anil Kumar - Mar. 13, 2007

Mr. Kenkare,

You are either a complete idiot or an emotional fool that you are passively trying to defend a hoodlum like Raj Thackeray and finding fault in people who are enraged when for no fault of theirs, they are being targeted. Raj Thackeray does not represent Maharashtrians that you have to feel offended when he is criticized for being a hoodlum which he actually is. I think the onus is on general people of Maharashtra that they should completely disown people like Raj Thackeray. He treats Mumbai as if it is his inherited fiefdom. I think it's high time that he should be held accountable for creating an anti-national regional divide, disturbing peace by giving instigating statements and bringing disrepute to great state of Maharashtra.

If people can be arrested for giving inflammatory speech on communal lines then why not on regional lines? It's high time these Bihari ministers at center did something about it instead of being a court singer of Sonia Gandhi. If they can't do anything about it then its time people of Bihar speak and teach them a lesson at election for failing them on such a critical issue. - Ravindra Kumar - Mar. 13, 2007

Whenever any such incidence happens, or we read anything bad about Bihar or Bihari people, we all start bashing and condemning our political leaders. Start giving lots of suggestions, requests to them. We all know that they are not going to read these articles/suggestions/requests. Then why do we write all this? I think just to make ourselves feel better. Our anger gets released and we feel as if we have DONE SOMETHING for our beloved motherland. does it help? I don't think so.

So what's the way out? If we really want to help or concerned let's take the things in our own hand rather leaving it on politicians and bureaucrats. I know, most of us are working outside Bihar and practically it's not possible for us to go back immediately to our homeland. So, what I would suggest is to starting your own business there. This might be very small business, say you can buy an auto/jeep and give it to someone who can run it. You can share the profit. Or you can give money to someone from from your village/ near by village to start his business on shared profit basis. It will help both you, the person and Bihar.

I had read one line when I was child: "Andhere ki shikayat karne se behtar hai ek diya jala diya jaaye".

Kya hum log taiyaar hain Diya jalaane ke liye? - Manoj Kumar - Mar. 13, 2007

Raj Thackeray's outbursts are just a frustrated politician's failed election jitters. He deserves condemnation from one and all and PatnaDaily.Com readers have done well to come out with their feelings.

We Biharis should not feel intimidated by such outbursts. We should let everyone know that it is a matter of great pride that Biharis have made a mark and place for themselves in adverse environments all over India and abroad by their hard work and merit. Every Indian has a right to live and work in any part of the country as a full citizen.

We can also claim it loud that people from all states are living, working or doing business in Bihar without discrimination. A large number of Marwaris, Gujaratis, Sikhs, Sindhis, Bengalis, Malyalees are living there in great harmony.

These facts about Bihar should also be well publicized - Mithilesh Kumar, Delmar, New York, USA - Mar. 15, 2007

I find it disturbing that some people here are suggesting increasing job opportunities in Bihar, starting their own businesses etc etc to stop Biharis from migrating to other states.

While creating more job opportunities in any state is always desirable, that's not the issue here. Regardless of whether Bihar has enough job opportunities or not, any Indian is free to live in any part of India without fear of discrimination or regional-based violence. No single community has the right to claim ownership on any state. As Indian citizens, we have the birth right to live in any part of the country without having to be bullied by idiots like the Thackerays. Period. End of discussion.

These divisive people should first get out of other states and countries like USA, UK, Australia, Mid-East, Far-East etc, and I mean every single one of them, and return to Maharashtra before trying to intimidate Biharis or other non-Maharashtrians in Maharashtra. Bunch of hypocrites - that's all such people are. They are traitors and should be punished as traitors. - Rajiv Chandra - Mar. 15, 2007

I understand that as an Indian, I am free (at least I should be) to move, live or do a job anywhere in India. It's my birthright and we must fight to get that. But why I suggested increasing job opportunities in Bihar itself or opening/helping someone in Bihar to run his own business is that's what I, as an individual, am capable of, while living outside Bihar and leading a middle class family. You tell that Bal/Raj Thackeray kind of persons should be treated as traitor. Can you suggest me how to do that? And what will be your contribution (or someone else) as an individual?

We have talked enough of what to do. Let's shift ourselves to how to do. Please suggest how are you planning to punish Thackeray for his statement? Are you going to court? I suggested something which I am following and I know that anyone, who wants to do it, can do it. I expect a similar down to earth and practical suggestion from other members. Please guide me. - Manoj Kumar - Mar. 16, 2007

I will only say in stead of raising such voice he (Thackeray) should do something about poor in south Maharashtra (Vidharva region). He and his parent party must not distract people's attention from their failure in tackling the real issues. He, with his parent party, is in Municipal Corporation for last ten years. Just one year ago he parted his way from Shiv Sena. So he and his parent party were in a position to do something for them or at least raise voice for them. - Satya Prakash - Mar. 16, 2007

Raj Thackeray, the traitor, was saying today that why Biharis were silent when Biharis were being butchered in Assam and why they are making so much of noise when he (Raj Thackeray) said that Biharis will get slap for breakfast, lunch and dinner if they don’t respect Marathis.

Somebody should tell this traitor that Bihar is just a state of India and it has no army of its own and Indian Army is giving required response to ULFA in Assam on behalf of Biharis. Do Raj Thackeray and his Nav Nirman Sena too want same treatment from Indian Army on behalf of Biharis (Indians)? Assamese, Marathis and Biharis will remain brothers but for Raj Thackeray still there is time, he should see if Paresh Barua can arrange a rented place for him in Bangladesh, he may need them. - Shiv Shankar Sharma - Mar. 16, 2007

I don't think Raj Thackeray is smart enough to track all events of India. Bunda Baura Gaya Hai. This is one of the reasons he is not even recognized beyond Mumbai Municipality election. I am sure he wont be able to fool around common Marathis for an extended period. Also, I presume that the common Marathi of Maharashtra are wise and will not let a demon arise from their backyard. I sincerely hope so.

By the way, we the Biharis already have enough issues to struggle. The latest one - The sugarcane farmers of Bihar are planning to export their over produced sugarcane to Nepal because there is no taker of their produce in Bihar as these Bihari farmers have done excellent farming of sugarcane this year.

I hope Mr. Nitish is taking a serous note of such slipping away opportunity of development in Bihar and will expedite the effort to re build sugar mills in Bihar ASAP. - Narendra Singh, India/USA - Mar. 16, 2007

Manoj ji, I did not say Bihar does not need development. I am simply saying Thackeray's anti-Bihari statements or attacks on Biharis in Assam has absolutely nothing to do with how Bihar is doing in economic terms. Any Indian is free to live anywhere in India, it's as simple as that.

As for development in Bihar, that's a topic for different discussion.

You have asked what can be done to prevent such things from happening in future. I say raise hell! Ministers and leaders also read news and watch TV; they will get the message. They are our representatives and I expect them to do the right thing.

Also, there ARE people who are going to court to bring Thackeray and his kind of people to justice. Here is the link from PatnaDaily: Lawsuit against Raj Thackeray for Insulting Biharis. So don't give up so soon. Personal contribution towards your state is not only commendable but desirable as well but here we are talking about a so-called leader who wants to divide nation based on region or religion. Bombay, Pune, and Hyderabad are part of the so-called developed states so why do people from these states migrate to US, UK etc? Individual migration is just that - an individual decision and it's wrong to assume that only people from the so-called backward states migrate to other 'developed' states. - Rajiv Chandra - Mar. 16, 2007

I tend to agree with Rajiv Chandra. Any one should be free to reside and work wherever one wants. Though not relevant to this issue there are special exceptions to this rule for example in the case of Kashmir and some North Eastern States such as Mizoram and Arunachal where domicile residence and Inner Line Permits are needed for travel and residence. i believe we have special rules for the Andaman Nicobar and the Lakshadweep islands as well. These rules are primarily to preserve the cultural identity of the local people due to vast differences in population size of these areas vis-à-vis the rest of the population of India.

In the case of Bihar we have been particularly accommodating to linguistic and cultural diversity. A sizeable section of bureaucrats, officials, academics and intelligentsia of Bihar has for a very long time been Bengali speaking Biharis. These are Biharis in every sense of the word because they have been residing in what is now Bihar long before the state of Bihar even existed as a political entity. Bihar was then part of Bengal. Likewise Bengal, particularly Calcutta has a sizeable Bihari ( or rather Bihar linked Hindi speaking) population. After independence in 1947 Bihar was flooded with refugees from Sindh, West Punjab and East Bengal. These displaced persons helped enormously in the industrial and economic development of the state, setting up general stores, light industry, restaurants, and small businesses often in the heart of the cities providing much colour and diversity and economic opportunities to others. The arrival of Marwari traders from Rajasthan, Bohra Muslims from Gujarat, were proofs that Bihar was a land full of opportunity and promise. The rise of business in Bihar demanded special clerical skills which brought a multitude of clerks, typists and stenographers from the southern states. Our hospitals would have been desolate were it not for the sterling service rendered by nurses from south India. All were received graciously and the cultural life of Patna was enhanced with the Sikh, Punjabi, Sindhi, South Indian and Bengali communities. So too was economic progress and employment opportunities for Biharis.

However the assertion of regional and linguistic identities elsewhere in India has found a particularly revolting backlash exploited by the criminal elements in Bihar. There has been an unfortunate trend now in Bihar to attack the so-called 'non-Biharis' primarily to wrest control of their businesses , real estate and property. This is not directed as part of a political movement as such, but because the so-called 'non-Biharis' are perceived as having no muscle they are easier prey to the criminals. It is not only 'non-Biharis' that are subject to extortion, kidnapping and murder but also other so-called "pure" Biharis who lack the political or bureaucratic connections to ensure their safety. This has resulted in a flight of the entrepreneurial class and intelligentsia out of Bihar and Patna.

With the flight of capital and intelligentsia the lower classes have far less employment opportunities and so migrate to other states in essence following the upper class in their flight. While the upper class Biharis ( and I mean ALL Biharis including the Bengali, Punjabi, Sindhi, Marwari) speaking can find greener pastures and secure employment based on their education and business acumen, the lower class labour has to eke out a precarious existence under alien conditions. It is these who make easy targets for the linguistic and regional chauvinist politicians.

It would be interesting to see which state produces the most cross migration to other states. It would not be surprising if Bihar figures prominently in the ranks. - Reza Sami, USA - Mar. 17, 2007

I am not denying our rights as Indian. I just wanted to say that we can't snatch respect from anyone. People will respect only if we are powerful. On almost all account (financial, social) we are far behind than other states. Although this does not give them any right to speak bad against us, it will happen. The only solution to stop all this is to become more powerful.

Raj Thackeray's mentor Baal Thackeray also used similar language against South Indians in 1960-70s. But now, he can't dare to speak against them because now he knows that they (South Indians) will not let him go easily after speaking against them. So he finds out some other soft targets, who are neither powerful nor united. If we will speak against Marathis, it will help him in getting what he wants.

It's really encouraging that some people have filed case against Raj Thackeray but knowing the scenario of Indian Judicial system, it's not going to affect Raj Thackeray's carrier. I would be really happy if he gets punishment for his remarks.

Let's try to help our motherland in whatever way we can. That's all I think all of us want. - Manoj Kumar - Mar. 19, 2007

I feel very sad reading such comments, inspired by very very backward and ignorant thoughts of divisions based on narrow regional identities in India. These ill thoughts would certainly be creating differences amongst us rather than identifying and showing our unique bondage to unite us as a strong nation on this planet.

Bihar and Maharashtra or for that matter all provinces of that great country India must not divide themselves by artificial differences of boundaries and linguistic differences. They must not entertain these ill feelings to destroy their progress and prosperities and they must learn how to respect each other.
Here I am in a country called Canada an elected MLA from an area of majority who are from the main white voters who elected me as a man of universal values to humanity. I take great pride of our basic cultural strength and our wonderful human values to preach India's basic belief and our ideal principles of Vasudhaiv-kutumbakum. Then I read Raj Thackeray's comments and get saddened.

Let us all rise above these petty self identities and be proud of what we truly are! - Bidhu Shekhar Jha, MLA (Radisson) Manitoba, Canada - Mar. 21, 2007

I know that myopic people and leaders are everywhere in the world what to speak about them in the Indian states. But Raj Thackeray has excelled them and I never imagined that he is such an extremely narrow minded person who is on the Indian soil.

Maharashtra has always been a glory not only in the history of India but even today but I am afraid that self styled leaders like Raj Thackeray, who live in a fools' paradise, will not only destruct the dignity of Maharashtra but would do a great harm to the country.

It is a pity that the government in the center is quite effeminate and impotent in dealing sternly with such anti-national characters who are no less than the terrorists living within our country. Public of Bharat, our country, will not be surprised if tomorrow there is an enquiry and then some connection is discovered between Raj Thackeray and the terrorists.

The CM of Bihar Mr. Nitish Kumar had the courage to take the comments of Raj seriously and be vocal about it. Lalu also spoke but he has lost his "dum" after going to the center and his voice has been lost in the center's wilderness.

Raj Thackeray should visit libraries or even read school books to learn about the glory of Bihar. Has he studied history? I do not think he has. Bihar has always embraced the brothers and sisters of other states of India and has never made unwarranted comments against them. Biharis have deep studies and broad minds and if Raj Thackeray wants a glimpse of the culture and broadness of Biharis, he is invited to Bihar and live there for 3 years and learn about it even from a school child. He should also travel in the country with an open mind and with a book on Indian History in his hand accompanied with a good guide. (Yogesh Kenkare should join him, preferably.) How much he knows about the glorious history and contribution of his own state towards the country? I doubt his intelligence on the patriotic platform. He doesn't even have the idea how much Maharashtrians live in Bihar and other states of the country.

However, for future, I want to advise Raj Thackeray to make an extensive survey and collect good and healthy database before spitting out any objectionable comment about anyone belonging to any state, any country and any continent of the world. He should keep in mind that when Jonathan Swift was asked about his nationality, he had proudly said " I am the citizen of the world!". Further, has he not heard from our own scriptures about "Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam" ? - Prasad V. N. - Apr. 2, 2007
 

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