Re: Who Will Win Maharashtra? - India Elections
Marathi manoos is the dark horse
As the battle for Maharashtra gains momentum, Raj Thackeray is emerging as the dark horse that either of the two main alliances will have to get astride to ride home to victory.
The leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has built a strong base for himself in cities like Mumbai, Thane, Nashik and Pune. His anti-north Indian pitch has struck a silent chord with the Marathi youth here, who have to constantly compete with “outsiders” for jobs, education, health benefits and so on.
Raj’s rhetoric has had a particularly strong appeal in a year when life has been difficult and many have lost jobs because of recession.
It is expected to pay rich dividends on October 13, when the state goes to the polls.
“It is easy to tap religious sentiments,” said an MNS leader. “At some level or the other, we all feel aggrieved about something. All Raj has done is to give people a punching bag. And they love him for that.” Mumbai, where the influx of non-Maharashtrians is maximum, seems to have the most takers for Raj’s aggressive posturing.
“Even educated Maharashtrians have started abusing north Indian taxi drivers. Everyone has bought into his regional pitch,” said a Shiv Sena leader.