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The recent controversy surrounding Bal Thackeray’s latest remarks, where he admonished one of the greatest cricketers of our times, Sachin Tendulkar, has generated universal condemnation. Metroplus asks city residents for their take on this issue. Even as the controversy continued to boil, media outlets in Mumbai were attacked by goons claiming that the channels had shown disrespect to the sena supremo, Bal Thackeray.

Last week, in a similar display of chauvinistic behaviour, MLA’s of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena attacked an opposing party legislator for not assuming the oath of office in Marathi. Most people felt that Thackeray’s remarks are tasteless and insult the genius of Tendulkar. They said that Tendulkar was a national treasure and Thackeray or his cronies had no business intimidating Sachin. Some felt that the gravest threat to the unity of the country was faced by such divisive elements who exploit such sentiments to cater to a fringe of the populace. They felt that such incidents not only damage the image of the state, but are also against what a majority of the electorate/ ordinary people aspire for. They felt that by ignoring such attacks, the government is patronising such elements, who aim at affecting winning votes. Some felt that such people must not be allowed to hog the national limelight must be ignored. We sample some responses.

Bal Thackeray is a spent force politically. He has no business commenting on every issue that comes up. These elements must not be allowed to dictate terms to anyone. The government must not allow anyone to take into their own hands. He should apologise to Sachin and retire from politics.

Gangadhar IT consultant

The Thackerays must be jailed. They have no popular support and occasionally make an attempt at instigating parochial sentiments. It is shameful and rather despicable. These elements must be condemned universally and strict action must be taken against such…More