Every October, on Dussehra day, Bal Thackeray spews venom from a maidan in Dadar, central Mumbai, better known as the city's cricket nursery. So it was last week—the Sena chief was at his rabble-rousing worst before a full house at Shivaji Park as he spoke out against Muslim terrorism and pseudo-secularism even as he justified the post-Godhra riots, his rhetoric hitting a feverish pitch this time. The Congress-led government in Maharashtra found the speech so inflammatory that it directed the police to lodge a case against Thackeray for "promoting communal disharmony", which, under section 153(A) of the Indian Penal Code, is a non-bailable offence. If convicted, the Sena chief could be sentenced to three years imprisonment.
The Shiv Sena is unrepentant and accuses the state government of targeting Thackeray to divert attention from its own failures. Says former chief minister Narayan Rane: "Let's see what they can do. The last time they tried to arrest Balasaheb, the whole city was quaking. The government is punishing patriots and taking no action against the real terrorists and anti-nationals." Adds Sena MP Sanjay Nirupam: "The party will fiercely fight back the case legally and if necessary will come out on the streets."
Adoor Gopalakrishnan 
Never There Genius 
