Mumbai Musings

Toll Poll Ke Bol

A popular saying in Marathi goes, "Tu marlya sarkha kar, me radlya sarkha karto." Loosely translated as, "You pretend to hit me, I'll pretend to cry." Most applicable and appropriate for politics in general, the anti-toll agitation declared, launched and wrapped up by MNS chief Raj Thackeray was perhaps a fitting example for the saying. Thackeray had thundered about a major state-wide agitation on February 12 wherein the MNS workers and supporters were expected to do Rasta Rokos on arterial highways and freeways, which have toll booths. The state government deployed more police force than ever to ensure that the city saw no violence. Thackeray, on his way to Vashi toll naka to lead the agitation, was detained as a preventive measure and was released within couple of hours after a promise of meeting with the chief minister Prithviraj Chavan. The CM, apart from promising to review the policy (it is expected anyway), also promised to cancel 22 tolls in the state (on roads whose pending recovery is less than Rs 10 crore). So was it an election gimmick or something that affects the common man or attempts to establish political identity around a 'secular' issue? So if more tolls are cancelled following the agitation, rather expectedly, the Congress-NCP can claim credit for doing it and MNS for getting it done. Seems like a win-win for the warring parties.

Kalandar No More

Veteran journalist and writer Ashok Jain passed away after long illness in a suburban hospital. Known for his sharp wit and insight into politics, his column "Kanokani" (under the pseudonym Kalandar) and "Rajdhanitun" (from the capital, which were later turned into books ) was a rage during his stint at Maharashtra Times. He reported on Parliament and national politics from Delhi. A writer of around 20 books, he was friends with several young writers and journalists long after his retirement. 'They don't make like him anymore,' was the refrain among media and culture enthusiasts after learning of his death at the age of 70. Apart from his wealth of knowledge it was hit wit and warmth that drew people— young and old to him.

Aap Jaisa Koi

The list of candidates for Lok Sabha elections released by the Aam Aadmi Party threw up some interesting names including activist Medha Patkar, Meera Sanyal and Vijay Pandhre. Patkar will end decades of activism for a Lok Sabha ticket from Aam Aadmi Party from Mumbai Northe-East, where she has been active and fighting for the cause of slum dwellers. Sanyal, the banker who will contest from South Mumbai, had contested last time too but lost to sitting Congress MP Milind Deora. Pandhre comes from Nasik, where he brought to light the irrigation scam that had nearly jeopardised Ajit Pawar's political career. At a press meet in Mumbai, an excited and eloquent Yogendra Yadav said he was proud that the party had fielded equal number of women as men from Maharashtra and the women were all stalwarts in their own right. True that. Oh, and yes, they have all the intentions of making the case against Mukesh Ambani a poll issue. Wait and watch.

Green Circling

While all the political leaders seem to be making all their travels and trips for garnering support during the impending elections, Farooque Abdullah was in the city for inaugurating a green initiative by Royal Western India Turf Club Limited (RWITC). "RWITC, one of the oldest and most well-known horse racing clubs in the country, launched 'The Green Circle Foundation' with TERI as the knowledge partner, bringing all their social, cultural and public programs under a single cause of promoting clean and green living," said a press statement. The efforts include an energy audit and carbon reading of the club, creation of a bio-diversity resource park which will house a butterfly garden, Installation of Solar/ Renewable Sculpture Design and Nature Trail and Walks. I wonder what Sena chief Uddhav has to say about this, since he was so keen on turning the race course into a theme park. I am wondering even more why Mr Abdullah made a public appearance for this. Surely it can't just be the marvellous food and ambience at the club.

Policing Politics?

After former Mumbai police commissioner Satyapal Singh quit his job to join the BJP, the city went without a commissioner for a good couple of weeks. The home department, headed by NCP minister RR Patil, had some tense moments before zeroing down on ATS chief Rakesh Maria for the top job and side stepping two other seniors Javed Ahmed and Vijay Kamble. Police transfers, especially plum postings such as this, have often been linked to political connections and clout, apart from performance of course. The other two have expressed their disappointment. As if it wasn't enough trouble for NCP, RPI leader Ramdas Athawle also alleged that Kamble was bypassed because of "casteist mentality" of the government and the BJP leader said the government had sidelined "Marathi Manoos." Not too long ago Athawle had also supported Devayani Khobragade because she is a Dalit. Strangely, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray (RPI's partner in the grand alliance) said Rakesh Maria was a good officer. No one has yet claimed anti-minority sentiment for Javed Ahmed. However, the cool Bandra boy that Rakesh Maria is, he remains unfazed while going about his job. Maria, who has headed and been a part of several terror cases and is known for cracking the Indian Mujahidin group, has vowed to tackle street crimes and make the city safer for women.

Investigating Affairs 

And even as earlier-disgruntled-now-fine Vijay Kamble takes charge as the Thane Police Commissioner, a rather irritating investigation awaits him. Earlier this month, a newspaper reported that our famous-for-his-Bollywood-fixation and romantic but dreaded gangster Abu Salem had gotten married to someone on his way from Thane jail to Lucknow for his court appearance in a fake passport case. Now Mumbai's TADA court, which is hearing other cases in which Salem is an accused, has asked the Thane police commissioner (KP Raghuvanshi until now) to investigate if there is any truth to the story. As if terror investigations weren't bad enough. P.S 

Sanjay Dutt's parole extended. Say no more.