New Delhi:
The cyberspace is abuzz with blogs and fora in support of India's cricketing hero Sachin Tendulkar after Bal Thackeray criticized him for saying that he is an Indian first, then a Maharashtrian. (Read:
Sena to Sachin: Play cricket, not politics)
The Shiv Sena versus Sachin Tendulkar episode has now turned into an interesting theme on the Internet.
On NDTV.com, asked if they agreed with Sachin's sentiment, Netizens slammed Thackeray, mocked him, even suggested he be ignored as a person of no consequence. (Read:
Surfers' comments)
Says Somali: "Any person who is of sound mind and not having any psychological problem will agree with Sachin. My question to Bal Thackrey and Raj Thackrey is: "What they write as their nationality in their Passport? Do they write Maharastrian or Indian?"
"Of course yes! The Sena should concentrate on defending Indian territory from external threat rather than fighting within. Where were they after 26/11?" says Venkat Subramanian.
Social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook are also buzzing with the same discussion. Netizens are heaping praise on Sachin and pouring scorn on Thackeray. Blogs are coming out in support of Sachin.
Bloggers are most angry with Thackeray Sr., They think he was mean, divisive, unpatriotic and narrow in admonishing Tendulkar.
"Who is the real Marathi Manoos?" Tweets Shobhaa De.
"Mumbai belongs to who?" Retorts another.
Others go a step further. The Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) keep violating the Constitution, slapping elected MLAs and intimidating ordinary citizens.
What are the courts and police doing? Why are they not taking suo moto action against them? Ask analysts.
Sachin is a national treasure. But what is the contribution of Thackeray himself in the progress of Mumbai?
The Sena clearly wasn't prepared for this and these questions that will be thrown at the Thackerays until Sachin himself provides a miraculous escape.