The Strange Affliction Of Raj Thackeray

Raj Thackeray greeting his supporters 

The doctors attending on the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) supremo, Raj Thackeray, at Lilavati Hospital said that he had awakened from coma, but was still under observation. They disclosed that he was now suffering from a strange affliction wherein his vocabulary had reduced to…horror of horrors… only one word, the “B” word.

Deeply moved by his condition, the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil released this statement: "This is an occasion for all of us to reflect on the life and work of the Son of Maharashtra, Raj Thackeray. Whenever I think of Raj, his image in white kurta-pajama, spectacles, and red tilak emerges before my eyes, and I am always overwhelmed by his philosophy and values. Raj's leadership inspired hundreds to unite for the cause of Marathi Manoos, and work for the eradication of bhaiyas and their dadagiri by destroying public property.”

Raj had gone into coma following the events after this earlier press release:

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA
02-10-2009 : Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, has issued a notice to all Indians and foreigners who have, while awake or asleep, intentionally or unintentionally, ever uttered the “B” word, to tender their apologies to Raj Thackeray. In a message from Gandhinagar where she is currently on a visit to Gujarat, the President has said:

“This is to remind you that the Government of India cannot protect you or your property from the MNS activists, so please hurry up and apologize to young Mr. Thackeray.” The release issued at 1200 hrs

The message was repeatedly telecast by all the news channels. Subsequently, the scared Mumbaikars lined up outside Raj's residence, Krishna Kunj, at Dadar to apologize. The first one to arrive was Karan Johar. In his latest movie, Wake Up Sid, the characters had spouted the “B” word for Mumbai around 10 to 12 times. Karan asked for forgiveness, saying, "I apologize if I have hurt anyone's sentiments and so have agreed to put a one-line disclaimer, stressing this, right at the start of the film."

As the sun went up and then down, millions of people gathered outside Krishna Kunj. People from other parts of the country, too, headed towards Mumbai. When the police force was not able to manage the crowd, Indian Army was deployed. Each person in the crowd had wanted to apologize to Raj personally. After granting apologies continuously for nine hours, the MNS leader fainted and was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where, under the observation and efficient care of the professionals he regained his senses, but has been stuck on the “B” word since then. The remaining apology seekers have returned to their homes dejected and disappointed.

(Picture courtesy Zeenews)

Update: External link-- Get Well Soon, Raj