Governor of Maharashtra, Sri K. Sankaranaryanan made it amply clear that Mumbai, one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world is meant for all. Whether it is Andheri, Bandra, or any other part of Mumbai, people from all parts of the country can come and reside here
Such statement from the Governor came just after two legendary figures of India, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, and singer Asha Bhonsle had clearly stated that Mumbai is for all Indians and there could be no restrictions on that. Despite the call by the Shivsena supreme Bal Thackerey and some frenzied actions by the Sena followers in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra the consensus favors the statements given by Tendulkar, Asha Bhonsle and the Governor.
“Anybody can live in Mumbai. Only Mumbai can compete with itself. The rich, middle class and the poor co-exist here,” the governor said during an informal press meeting, the first he took up after assuming the post of Governor of the State.
The Governor also said that even though there is the necessity for improving the civic and infrastructure and upgrading them, there can be no chances of curbing migration from other parts of the country.
“Water, transport woes are common sufferings all over the world. We should focus on how to improve the infrastructure,” Sankaranarayanan said. Stressing on the requirements for unanimity on such development issues, he further stated that politics are meant for election alone and not to affect the day to day life and national integrity and unity. Ensuring that no discrimination takes place in the name son of soil policy or any such issues.
Not content with his statement alone on Mumbai, the Governor went on to say that he will concentrate on such issues in other parts of Maharashtra as well.
Statement of the Shivsena supreme Bal Thackery had triggered off hot debates and controversies all over the country. Many top figures like Tendulkar, Asha Bhonsle, and Bollywood stalwarts like Amitav Bachhan and Amir Khan had opposed the concept. People at other parts of the country had come up with angry response to such blatant regionalist statement.
“Does it mean that Delhi is for the people of Delhi only and no one from Mumbai or Maharashtra should ever come here? Does it also mean that Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, and similar other cities that have provided employment and livelihood from numerous people of Maharashtra should close their doors upon them” asked an angry Atul Pareikh, resident of Noida in Delhi.
”Why can’t we Celebrate Bandra like the Marathees”, questions 16 year old school student, Nisha, a migrate from Uttaranchal residing in Bandra, “is it foreign land for us”
It seems that good sense prevailed at last when Thackery took a retreating step from the stand and Shiv Sena demanded that Sachin Tendulkar be given Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India despite his and Sivsena showing antagonism to the little master over his comments. People in Mumbai however did not show much enthusiasm save a few stray incidents in Mumbai and its peripheries and most people supported the view that Mumbai is for all Indians.
