(Rana Ayyub is an award-winning investigative journalist and political writer. She is working on a book on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which will be published later this year.)
What stands exposed as a result of the Shobhaa De controversy is that the Shiv Sena is yet to come to terms with the fact that its playing second fiddle to the BJP in Maharashtra.
In an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamna on Thursday, the Shiv Sena chose to return to its oft-repeated description of anything liberal as pro-Pakistan. Two of its spokespersons appeared on national television last night, making a mockery of themselves as they tried to outdo each other in sounding belligerent.
On Thursday, senior Sena leaders had sent texts to journalists and editors of news channels to assemble outside Shobhaa De's residence. On display before the curious camerapersons were the Maharashtrian delicacies that Shobhaa had referred to. The home delivery was far from a peace offering.
From statements on putting an end to toll taxes to promoting Maharashtrian artists in the state - there is an increasing feeling among the Sena cadre that the BJP has appropriate the Sena's agenda. However, with its farcical protest against Shobha De, the party could do well by remembering how the Marathi voter had thrown them out of power in the past when they targeted Maharashtrian icon PL Deshpande and national hero Sachin Tendulkar.
Shiv Sena would also want to be reminded that in November 2009 its attack on Sachin Tendulkar had evoked national outrage especially amongst Maharashtrians who treated the cricketer as a demi God. In an interview, Sachin Tendulkar had rightfully stated "Mumbai belongs to India. That is how I look at it. I am a Maharashtrian and I am extremely proud of that. But, I am an Indian first." The comment outraged Shiv Sena so much that in a scathing editorial Bal Thackeray wrote "You said you are proud of being Marathi but are an Indian first. This has hurt the Marathi people. From the cricket pitch you have entered the political pitch. You also said that all Indians have an equal right on Mumbai. What was the need for this? You have become "run-out" on the Marathi pitch. People praise you when you hit fours and sixes. But if you speak against the rights of Marathi people, they will not tolerate it."
A statement uncannily similar to the one made by Saamna on Shobha De who has been an outspoken citizen and a proud Maharashtrian.
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