An Open Letter To R. R. Patil
By Ravikiran Shinde
13 November, 2009
Countercurrents.org
Dear Aba,
Congratulations on getting your coveted home portfolio back. Seldom in practical life one gets the job back barely months after getting sacked for the performance. But then politics, just like Cricket, is a great leveler. Of course, you would argue that you as a Home minister did not have any shortcomings in the 26/11 case given that it was an international conspiracy which a state home minister could not prevented let alone anticipate it; that your sacking was more for your dialects than your deeds in the aftermath of Mumbai attack.
In the hindsight, your last tenure was quite mixed. You were applauded for two major achievements. One, your handling - or rather giving them free hand – of the ATS team lead by late Hemant Karkare and the break through it received in the Malegaon Blast case. Arrest of Sadhvi Pragya Singh and Col. Purohit was a game changer for a nation suffering from Terror. Closing of Dance Bars in Mumbai was also received well by the civil society as a whole.
However, your handling or rather prevention of growing Dalit atrocities in the state in general and Kherlanji killings of 2007 in particular, was so dismal that you incurred the wrath of furious Dalits across the state. As if it was not sufficient, your now infamous “discovery” of Naxalism entering the Dalit protests post Kerlanji swas taken angrily by both Dalit intellectuals and sociologist. This definitely alienated dalit support base of your predominantly Maratha dominated party. On the other hand, Raj Thackeray’s men got “free for all” under your tenure and were allowed to make merry at will. It was puzzling to see police taking strict action in dealing with Dalit activist protesting against atrocities while ignoring the MNS supporters going on rampage in Mumbai and as I write this, MNS MLAs have manhandled Abu Azmi on the first day in the Assembly.
Notwithstanding drawbacks in your first two innings as Home minister, your virtue however has always been your uprightness and ability to take bold decisions. Your fellow party men and your opponents both appreciate your simple living and clean image. It is not without reason that you regain the crucial portfolio amid reports of Sanatan prabhat’s role in the Goa blast and the critical ongoing Malegaon blast trial.
You might have lost the Dy. CM’s post to the belligerent Bhujbal but claimed a victory of sorts by taking back the prestigious portfolio of Home.
You would know more than anyone that Home portfolio is a double edged sword. You have a task cut out now. Parts of Maharashtra are reeling under growing naxalism. Terrosim, both home grown and international, read Hindutva and Jahadi, are active and aiming to strike even harder. But now that you are at the helm, the ATS team probing malegao blast case must be buoyed.
Acting tough is not the only thing the home minister should do. Giving healing touch whenever needed is also important. Do not lose the opportunity to curb growing atrocities against Dalits in this progressive state. Extend olive branch to the disgruntled section and try to understand their problem. Arguing every time that “law will take its own course, nobody will be spared” will not be always bought. Punish ineffective police officers and reward the start performers. They need this to counter the demons facing the society.
Importantly, do not try to express yourself with your make-shift Hindi. The same had brought your downfall last time. So talk in your native language confidently so we do not chuckle while listening “ Taabe main liya hai” after an arrest is made.
Sadly, Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte and Vijay Salaskar will not be at your service this time. Neither will be the heroes like Tukaram Omble. Remember their sacrifice and pay them tribute with your exceptional performance this time around.
You know that this will be a real challenge and the stakes are high. All the very best, Aba!