Yesterday
the people of Mumbai came out in the open street to join the mammoth
gathering that took place near the Taj hotel. It was clarion call
made to the people to come together to show solidarity, express
their outrage against the terror attack and protest the callous and
inept attitude of our Politician. It was through the internet, blog
and SMS messages that scores of people joined the rally. And the
response was fantastic and unbelievable.
Tens
of thousands of people participated. This rally is most unique in
many ways and first of its kind ever to take place in Mumbai. Blogs,
SMS and Citizen News portal came to the fore in marshalling such a
huge rally which brings into focus the importance of digital age we
live in. Beside it was used to channelize the public outcry and
anguish against the Terrorist and the utter failure of our
politician in protecting us. This has redefined the concept of
citizen journalism and has left little doubt the CJ is going to stay
here and from here onward will keep spreading and growing. The
outcome of this public assault using digital media helped roll many
heads in the Indian Ministry.
First
to go was India’s home minister Shivraj Patil followed by the
resignation of Maharashtra Home Minster RR Patil and Chief Minister
Vilasrao Deshmukh. In fact Chief Minister has admitted that it was
the Public anger and pressure that made his step down from office.
Yesterday’s rally was unique in many ways. It was first massive
Public rally called by the public and was for the public. Mumbai
has never seen the mobilization of such large human resource at one
go. It was always the monopoly of the Politician to garner huge
rally by using his money power and state machinery. Yesterday’s
rally was devoid of any political connection. In fact the fury
against the politician was so furious that no politician would have
dared to be present there. In all likelihood he would have been
lynched.
I felt
like the whole of Mumbai had tuned out on the streets. Processions
were taken out by ordinary citizens waving placard and carrying
tri-color Indian flags. Not only solidarity was shown towards brave
police officer and Commandos who laid down their lives for the
country but in general the public expressed their ire and fury, the
disdain and contempt displayed were aimed against the Political
class. Slogans like Go Go Terrorism, No votes No tax, Politicians
step down, Hindu – Muslim unity and so on ranted the air. Graffiti
and candle vigils marked the night.
There
were people of all hue and walks of life- the Celebrities and
commoners, Old and young, the rich and poor, Upper and middle
class, Ultra-urban educated and rural and grieved families who lost
their dear ones. What is most satisfying is that majority of them
were young college students lending their vocal cord in shouting
slogans and expressing solidarity. This is a good sign as there is
often criticism that they don’t vote or take part in social issues.
I am
sure yesterday’s public rally must have sent fear among the
politicians that they no more can take the people of Mumbai and in
general of India lightly. One good thing that comes out of this
tragedy is that yesterday public rally has indicated that Mumbai is
rising and now has voice of common public that cannot be ignored.
