Huge crowd, social media join Raj Thackeray

MUMBAI, INDIA: Raj Thackeray led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's (MNS) much speculated rally, against the recent rioting at Azad Maidan, finally kicked-off at around 1.30 in the afternoon.

The rally starting from Raj Thackeray's residence heading towards Azad Maidan near Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) formally known as VT station, has gained stronger support than was expected.

In fact, the MNS rally has been joined by around 50,000 people from the city and other parts of the state including party workers and supporters, according media reports.

Contrary to BJP's protest last week, which was well-managed and non-vocal, MNS rally has been louder and bigger in size. The MNS rally is being closely watched and followed by the Maharashtra state government officials, Mumbai police force, the media and even the virtual world for various reasons.

MNS protest has also become the hot topic of debate and discussion on Twitter and Facebook. An interesting tweet from Mrs. Chulbul Pandey ?says, ''Waiting for Raj Thackeray to step out and address the sea of protesters! This one speech can go down in history, should speak wisely!''

In fact the first reaction was from Pritish Nandy, who tweeted, "I like the way Raj Thackeray has seized the initiative. Someone had to do so. These anti-socials are getting away with too much."

Netizens are wondering on how Raj Thackeray and his party has been able to attract people in huge numbers without even fasting for a day. Another user, Shashank Todkar? tweeted, ''Raj Thackeray, can you please send me your copy of 'How to attract crowds in Mumbai without fasting.''

While Raj Thackeray targeted the Maharashtra government and Mumbai police force for being ineffective during the rioting at Azad Maidan in his speech, many netizens criticized his speech and doubted his motives.

Raghav Kulshreshtha ?took on Raj Thackeray by tweeting, ''The leader of one of the most violent mobs of this city declaring non violent proceedings. Heh! A rare sight.''

''The same MNS which used to beat up North Indians frequently is now taking out a rally against violence. The times they are a-changin!,'' says Nadeem Akhtar in his tweet.

While, Girish Mallya ?tweets, ''Hahaha, they are not MNS workers. They are people collected/gathered by workers and cadres. Muscle flexing initiative.''

Parul Yadav, a twitterati says, ''Another public enthrall with MNS rally today against Azad Maidan violence, roads flooded with people creating immense traffic,what are we getting from it?

That said, don't you think it is refreshing to read comments and reactions that are bold enough to gauge what political rallies and politicians are all about? Do let us know.