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MAHARASHTRIANS LIVING in Lucknow for the past several generations are sad and at the same time angry over the developments in Mumbai against North Indians on the call of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. They feel the state is going the Kashmir way due to the inaction of the Maharashtra government against MNS goons.

“The exodus of North Indians from various parts of Maharashtra has pained me. I can’t describe the trauma that I am going through due to the acts of some Maharahstrians who are targeting their own brothers,” says president of Maharashtra Samaj in Lucknow Prof Jayant Vaishampayan.

“What’s the difference between the terrorists of Kashmir who forced Pandits to leave the Valley and MNS activists,” laments Vaishampayan, whose family migrated to Lucknow six generations back. He admits that no Marathi has ever been ill-treated because he hails from Maharashtra.

He adds, “I criticise MNS workers for maligning the name of Maharashtrians. My head hangs in shame when I think of what is happening in Maharashtra. I would like to say that the recent violence doesn’t reflect the general feelings of Maharashtrians. It’s just a small section of anti-social elements which is targeting North Indians due to petty political gains.”

Similarly, famous vocalist and one of the best classical singers of Lucknow Vishnu Vinayak Mahadane is upset over what’s happenings in Maharashtra . “ I am hurt. Never in the wildest of my dreams had I imagined this day. This is shameful, they are playing into the hands of enemy country, which wants us to fight and disintegrate.”

His son SV Mahadane, who is also secretary of Maharashtra Samaj in Lucknow, says, “ We are living here for the last six generation and believe me never for a minute have we felt that we are outsiders. We get brilliant support from locals during the Ganesh puja. They participate in our all Samaj functions. We are shocked over devilish acts of MNS activists. They are doing what terrorists have done in Kashmir.”

Janardan Rao Pawagi says, “ The Local government should strictly act against the trouble makers, I am shocked over the inaction of the Maharashtra government against the hooligans indulging in violence against North Indians.”
He added, “ My family migrated to Uttar Pradesh in search of better livelihood seven generations back.

My great grandfather set up the first printing press of UP in Varanasi, I retired as the deputy director, Information department, and decided to settle down in Lucknow because my son married a local Agarwal girl. I see no difference in Maharashtrians and UPites. Every Indian has a right to settle anywhere in the country and earn his livelihood.”

His son Sunil Pawagi, a renowned classical Guitar player says, “ The culture of music in Lucknow was established by the Maharastrians. They were the first to migrate to this part of country. What is the take of MNS over the Maharashtrians working in other parts of country? I am livid for what they have done to North Indians.”

Dr DG Thatte, former principal of State Ayurvedic Medical College, is equally upset “Country is above regionalism. This type of feeling should be curbed with iron hands. There is no difference between MNS activists and terrorists.”

Dr Prashant Natu, whose family lives in Raja Bazar for several generations, says, “ I feel sorry for those who have suffered at the hands of MNS goons. My wife is a North Indian, my brother’s wife is also from Lucknow. We never felt different till the MNS raised this issue. Just for vote sake, politicisation of such issues must be condemned.”                                             artanupam@gmail.com