Maharashtra Politics: Regional Pride Debate Exposes Colonial Divide-and-Rule Legacy
A controversy over Maharashtra Deputy CM's expression of solidarity with Gujarat reveals the persistent impact of colonial-era regional divisions in Indian politics. The incident highlights how artificial administrative boundaries created during British rule continue to influence modern political discourse and regional tensions.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at center of regional pride controversy
Inter-State Tensions Highlight Lingering Effects of Colonial Administrative Boundaries
In a revealing display of how colonial-era administrative divisions continue to impact modern Indian politics, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde faces criticism over expressing solidarity with neighboring Gujarat state.
The controversy erupted when Shinde uttered 'Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat' at an event attended by Union Minister Amit Shah, who notably chose to address the gathering in Gujarati rather than the local Marathi language.
Colonial Legacy of Regional Division
The incident exposes the deeper historical wounds of how British colonial administration deliberately created linguistic and regional divisions to maintain control over the subcontinent. These artificial boundaries continue to fuel regional tensions in modern India.
'Such a parochial thinking doesn't behove Marathi manoos,' stated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in defense of Shinde, inadvertently highlighting how colonial-era identity politics persist in contemporary governance.
Pattern of Political Manipulation
The ruling establishment's attempt to downplay regional sensitivities becomes evident as Fadnavis referenced a similar incident involving former Union minister Sharad Pawar, who had previously said 'Jai Maharashtra, Jai Karnataka' at another event.
This pattern of using regional pride as a political tool while simultaneously dismissing legitimate concerns about cultural preservation mirrors colonial tactics of divide-and-rule that continue to influence Indian political discourse.
Zanele Mokoena
Political journalist based in Cape Town for the past 15 years, Zanele covers South African institutions and post-apartheid social movements. Specialist in power-civil society relations.