Me Mumbaikar. And a hardcore one at that.. somehow this city gets me and I it. I understand its need to draw blood and sweat, to cut around the edges to ensure that every citizen who makes it big goes through a trial by fire. It isn’t made for those who are used to the cushy life. Morals are tested daily, ethics put to the test and hardwork and ruthless ambition are rewarded.
So I am not surprised when time and time again this city is bombed, attacked and ravaged…not just by terrorists but also politicians and bureaucrats. And most of the times, we Mumbaikars forgive and move on.. Sorry boss. Not this time.
Most of the times, we give you-the government- the benefit of the doubt. In a suicide bomb attack or a riot, more often than not there is the element of surprise. We forgive because we feel that it could as easily have been you just like it was us. We move on because we know that you too are suffering losses just like us. Coz terror see no class, creed and religion. It kills all.
This time it was different. You knew. You had 60 hours to show that you cared about something more than your chair and power. You had time to mobilize more forces, to show an act of bravery by telling the commandoes at your service to go to the spot and help the common man while you stayed put indoors. You had time to send in more forces and give them all the ammunition they needed to kill those who tried to harm an innocent civilian. You had time to put politics behind and rise to the occasion.
Still you failed. You failed to make yourself count. And to make matters worse, you actually had the guts to go and ask people for votes, when the operations had not ended. And after some stupid statements, you actually apologised and thought we would forget it?
Sorry boss, not happening. You can’t take my city and me for granted. We rarely ask for anything for what we give but this time we want .. We want answers, accountability and responsibility for what has happened. We want security on the streets while we go on with our lives. We want more power for the mayor and we want the right to choose him/her. And most importantly, we want people to shut up about the spirit of Mumbai and its resilience. Coz you don’t know anything about it.. to know what it means you have to actually become one with this city and proudly say Me Mumbaikar.
PS: A special thanks to the NSG commandos, Marcos, Fire-fighters, Mumbai Police, Army jawans, Doctors, Nurses, and the ordinary Mumbaikar. Our city owes you big time and we will never forget.
