My family originally hails from Uttar Pradesh. My grandfather came to Mumbai several decades ago and since then we have become Mumbaikars, Now I myself am from Mumbai and I love Mumbai (in general can say that the whole of Maharashtra). Since almost 2 years I have been out of Mumbai, but even today when there is talk about Mumbai or any part of  Maharashtra, I start feeling nostalgic. 

The dispute was first started by Balasaheb Thackeray. However, the Shiv Sena now openly accepts that they do not oppose Hindi. Anyway, that was an old story. Raj Thackeray for his political interests,  once again raised the same issue of Marathi pride. When the case was being a bit quiet today, Jaya Bachchan, gave a stupid statement and added fuel to the fire. Although, on the face of it, it looks like the statement was given in a light mood and wasn't intended to be taken seriously. But Jaya Bachchan is a seasoned politician. She should have at least known that opportunists like Raj Thackeray are only looking for an excuse to start a new controversy. 

I believe that the Shiv Sena or the MNS are not sole contractors of Marathi pride, similarly, the Bachchans or any other political party are not true representatives of  Hindi-speaking people. Time and again Mumbaikars have exemplified the fact that they respect each other's beliefs and are always ready to help each other. Our unity can neither be broken by Raj Thackeray nor by Jaya Bachchan or her political allies. I request such people to let common citizens worry about their job and not to malign the situation by issuing unnecessary statements time and again.

At the same time, I would like to say one more thing. I do not support Raj Thackeray's violent means, but there certainly is something to think deep about. If you stay in a place for tens of years, should you not respect the local people and their culture? Is it not your moral responsibility to at least respect their language. I think we should. I can call myself a true Mumbaikar only when I not only respect Mumbai, Maharashtra, fellow Mumbaikars but also accept the Marathi pride.

For Hindi version of this post, click here.