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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Raj Thackeray seeks ‘accountability’

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “austerity” triggered a blistering political broadside from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who accused the Centre of hypocrisy, economic mismanagement, reckless political extravagance and attempting to shift the burden of its failures onto ordinary citizens. In a scathing statement, Raj questioned the moral authority of the PM to preach sacrifices to the country while the ruling establishment indulges in lavish political...

Raj Thackeray seeks ‘accountability’

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “austerity” triggered a blistering political broadside from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who accused the Centre of hypocrisy, economic mismanagement, reckless political extravagance and attempting to shift the burden of its failures onto ordinary citizens. In a scathing statement, Raj questioned the moral authority of the PM to preach sacrifices to the country while the ruling establishment indulges in lavish political roadshows, massive convoys, flower-shower spectacles, expensive election campaigns across the country and high-profile foreign trips. On the PM’s recent multi-pronged appeal asking Indians to slash gold purchases and fuel consumption, avoid foreign travel, adopt electric vehicles or adopt Work From Home, Raj said the government was willy-nilly readying the country for an impending economic crisis but refusing to accept the blame for creating it. “Will you acknowledge that a mistake was made by you, apologise for it, and pledge that henceforth, neither you nor anyone else will engage in such conduct? Why should the public be made to carry the financial load for your blunders?” demanded Raj sharply. Sudden Warnings The MNS chief argued that high crude oil prices cannot be blamed for the present economic distress, as there were many precedents in the recent past when global crude rates hovered in the $90-$100 / barrel range. He listed the scenario witnessed during the 2008 recession, the Arab Spring (2011-2012), again in 2013-2014, and finally when the OPEC cut production (2022-2023) to buttress his contentions. However, in those crises, neither ex-PM Manmohan Singh nor Modi himself issued such austerity appeals, and wondered “why such warnings were suddenly being sounded now” for the country. He demanded answers over the high fuel prices in India owing to taxes, and alleged that even when crude oil prices had plummeted to $ 60-$ 65, petrol and diesel were sold at exorbitant rates to Indians. “Lakhs of crores of rupees were collected from people - where did that money go? What happened to it?” Raj asked bluntly, in what is viewed as his fiercest attack on the government till date. Dual Face Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ‘dual standards’, Raj accused it of ridiculing ‘Revdi culture’ publicly while simultaneously doling out massive freebies during Assembly elections in West Bengal, Bihar and Maharashtra to lure voters. “The ‘Ladki Bahin’ before the Maharashtra 2024 Assembly elections has brought the state economy on the verge of collapse. Rather than truly empowering women, they were given meagre sums of money which was again clawed back through high inflation. If the state and national economies are in such a dire condition, will the PM now firmly declare a ban on all such politically motivated freebies,” asked Raj. He slammed the BJP for wasting enormous quantities of fuel during the recent poll campaigns in four states to ferry crowds for mega-rallies, but citizens are now being advised to sacrifice their fuel consumption. Hike in Offing Raj said with WFH and EV appeals, if the government was mentally preparing the people for another steep hike in fuel prices, the masses would anyway be compelled to reduce consumption as they can no longer afford it. He said it is time to admit that while the Indian economy is outwardly robust, inwardly fragile, the government should not exploit the Iran-Israel-US war as a convenient scapegoat to divert attention. “In your tenure, the Indian Rupee (INR) was devalued significantly, why? In the past 10 years, three different RBI Governors have quit, what was the reason, tell the nation. Ex-RBI Governor and then PM Manmohan Singh, himself a renowned economist, held serious discussions with financial experts and heeded them. We have heard all your ‘Mann Ki Baat’, now you should listen to the genuine economic masters and the masses,” Raj exhorted. Calling upon the PM to convene a Parliament special session to inform the country on the real state of the economy and concrete measures to tackle the challenges, Raj reminded the government that “we are not your enemies, but asking questions is our duty.” NCP (SP) gallops to austerity A political protest by the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) against the government’s austerity drive, became something of a traffic-stopper in Thane. Discarding air-conditioned SUVs or sedans, NCP (SP) General Secretary Dr Jitendra Awhad came astride a snow-white horse, while some other party leaders trailed on a horse-drawn ‘tanga’ and a ‘bail-gadi’ (bullock cart), raising anti-government slogans. “This is what we will come to soon… The economic crises will worsen in the coming days. We may be forced to gallop to Mantralaya or other places on horses and in carts. The government’s reverse development model will take us 2000-years back,” warned Dr. Awhad, as the afternoon traffic halted and hundreds crowded for a glimpse of the mini-procession. Patting his mount, he predicted a massive hike in fuel prices and other essentials, commuting on beasts of burden, or worse. Even if people shifted to animal transport, he wondered how they would feed their four-legged creatures with minimal resources. A party worker carried a placard proclaiming: “Next Budget: One Horse Per Family Scheme”, as some pedestrians wondered if the authorities would introduce exclusive ‘bullock cart or horse-tanga lanes” on the roads, or whether FASTag would be compulsory for these creatures. Pawar demands all-party meet Amid a nationwide furore over the Centre’s austerity appeals and concerns over global economic stability, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the country’s economy and evolving international challenges. Pawar said that the PM’s recent announcements - made in view of the ‘unstable and warlike situation’ in the Middle East - could have ‘far-reaching consequences’ on the Indian economy and has already triggered anxiety among ordinary citizens, industry stakeholders and investors alike. “The sudden nature of these announcements has created an atmosphere of unease among the common people, the industry-business sector as well as investors. This situation is certainly a cause for concern,” Pawar said. The NCP (SP) supremo’s appeal came against the backdrop of rising tensions owing to the Middle-East war, fears of escalating crude oil prices, the volatility in global markets coupled with Modi’s call urging citizens' restraint by embracing austerity measures. The PM’s wide-ranging appeal includes reducing fuel consumption, slashing gold purchases for a year, avoiding foreign travel, opting for electric vehicles and adopting Work From Home – triggering a nation-wide debate since the past two days. The NCP (SP) supremo emphasised that the gravity of the prevailing international situation called for a more ‘consultative and inclusive approach’ from the Bharatiya Janata Party government to build a consensus on economic and policy responses. “Given the current international situation, the central government must prioritize greater sensitivity and broad consultations. Considering the seriousness of this issue, the PM should take the lead to call an all-party meeting as involving leaders from all political parties in the decision-making process on matters of national interest is extremely essential for the welfare of the country,” urged Pawar. Besides the political consultations, the ex-union minister exhorted the PM for urgent engagement with economists, industrialists and domain experts to thoroughly review and assess the potential fallout of international developments on India’s economy. Such a comprehensive discussion on future economic policies was crucially required to reassure the public and restore investor confidence. “Building confidence and stability among the people of the country should be the government’s topmost priority in the current circumstances. This is our firm stand,” Pawar asserted.

Annasaheb Patil: A Lifelong Advocate for Workers’ Rights

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Annasaheb Patil

Annasaheb Pandurang Patil, a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, made significant contributions to the uplifting of scattered workers in Mumbai. For this reason, he is regarded as the architect of the progress of the Maratha and Mathadi workers in Maharashtra. Annasaheb Patil proposed a simple yet broad definition of a `Maratha,’ stating that every person residing in Maharashtra and standing for its defence is a Maratha. With this ideology, he established the Mathadi Workers Union and the All India Maratha Federation.

When Annasaheb Patil arrived in Mumbai from his native village, Mandrulkole in Patan Taluka, he began his career as a worker. At that time, workers in Mumbai were facing dire conditions, and a majority of them were Marathas. Annasaheb Patil believed that workers needed to experience both economic and social progress. He deeply studied their issues and began organising them, forming the Mathadi Workers Union, formally known as the Maharashtra State Mathadi Transport and General Workers Union. This became one of the largest labour unions in the state.

At the time, most labour unions were led by communists, but Annasaheb Patil rejected their ideologies, instead building a union based on Indigenous principles. He organised protests and movements, putting forward workers’ demands for better wages, healthcare, and basic rights for workers before the government. His relentless work eventually bore fruit, and he became the guiding force for workers.

Annasaheb Patil’s efforts resonated with the government. The then-Chief Minister, Yashwantrao Chavan, addressed the demands put forth by Patil, and on June 5, 1969, the Mathadi Workers Act was enacted in Maharashtra. This legislation brought joy and relief to the workers, improving their quality of life. Due to this act, facilities such as hospitals, consumer societies, housing through CIDCO, and educational and medical services were made available to Mathadi workers. Patil’s contribution to their welfare was pivotal.

Today, the issue of Maratha reservation is a significant topic in Maharashtra. Annasaheb Patil, the father of the Maratha reservation movement, made sure that his demands were reasonable and did not disturb social unity. His image is revered across Maharashtra for this reason.

Annasaheb Patil worked tirelessly for the welfare of Mathadi workers, most of whom were Marathas. He united the 12 Balutedars and 18 Pagadi communities, forming various organisations under the All India Maratha Federation. His leadership earned him widespread respect, and on July 8, 1980, he became a member of the Legislative Council.

During this time, the demand for Maratha reservations based on economic criteria was gaining traction. Annasaheb Patil toured Maharashtra while advocating for this cause. He resolved to lead a protest march to the Legislative Assembly. As an MLA in the Congress government, Patil, along with Advocate Shashikant Pawar, led a massive procession from Azad Maidan, Mumbai, on March 22, 1982. The sight of the marchers carrying Shivaji Maharaj’s saffron flag caught the attention of the citizens of Mumbai.

Annasaheb Patil submitted a list of nine demands to the then Chief Minister, Babasaheb Bhosale. Realising that the demand for reservation would not be considered, he declared that if justice were not served to the Maratha community, he would not live to see the next sunrise. True to his word, he ended his life on March 23, 1982, leaving an indelible mark on the state.

Annasaheb Patil devoted his life to the progress of Mathadi workers, raising their issues before the government and improving their living conditions. His efforts for the Maratha reservation and social justice brought attention to the problems faced by the community. His life was a testament to the struggle for the welfare of society. Rightfully, he is remembered as the father of the Maratha reservation movement and the architect of Maratha upliftment.

On his birth anniversary, we humbly pay tribute to the sacred memory of Annasaheb Patil.

(The writer is a BJP member of Maharashtra Legislative Council. Views personal.)

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