Mumbai, the "Maximum City," is increasingly witnessing an unsettling trend: the amplification of political strong-arm tactics, often referred to as "dadagiri," through the pervasive reach of social media. This phenomenon is creating an atmosphere of unease among residents, service providers, and small business owners alike.
Political "dadagiri" isn't a new concept in Mumbai. For decades, political parties have used strong-arm tactics to assert dominance and influence. However, the advent of social media has provided these actions with a new platform, amplifying their reach and impact. What once might have been a localized incident can quickly escalate into a city-wide controversy, fueled by shares, comments, and the rapid dissemination of information – accurate or otherwise.
One manifestation of this "dadagiri" is the imposition of linguistic and cultural preferences. Recent incidents have seen political activists, often associated with parties asserting Marathi pride, engaging in aggressive behavior towards those perceived to be disrespecting the local language or culture. This can range from forcing businesses to display Marathi signboards to verbal abuse and intimidation of individuals who do not speak Marathi fluently. Shobhaa De, a prominent author, has criticized this "language Dadagiri," particularly in the lead-up to civic polls, viewing it as a tactic employed by political parties to mobilize their base.
Social media plays a crucial role in both perpetuating and exposing these incidents. Videos of alleged offenses, often accompanied by inflammatory commentary, go viral, inciting further outrage and potentially inciting violence. While social media can act as a check on abuse of authority by bringing incidents to light, it can also be used to spread misinformation, incite hatred, and subject individuals to online harassment and threats.
The case of social media influencer Rajshree More highlights the disturbing reality of political intimidation amplified by social media. More, a businesswoman, accused the son of a local political leader of ramming her car while driving under the influence and then threatening her, invoking his father's political connections. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated, sparked outrage and raised questions about the influence of political connections on law enforcement. More stated that she believed she was targeted for supporting migrant workers and for speaking out for people from different backgrounds. She also alleged that a group of people had threatened to destroy her studio if she didn't apologize for her past remarks supporting laborers from other states.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has previously warned against "political extortion" and "dadagiri," stating that such behavior would be dealt with firmly. However, the challenge lies in effectively curbing such activities, particularly when they are fueled by social media and enjoy a degree of political patronage. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has also criticized MNS Chief Raj Thackeray for his controversial remarks that seemed to promote "dadagiri".
The issue also extends to online abuse and intimidation of journalists and political commentators who express dissenting views. Rana Ayyub, a Washington Post columnist, has faced online harassment campaigns, death threats, and even the circulation of her personal address on social media, causing her to fear for her safety.
The rise of social media has undoubtedly transformed the political landscape of Mumbai, offering both opportunities and challenges. While it can empower citizens and promote accountability, it also provides a platform for the amplification of political "dadagiri," creating an environment of fear and unease. Addressing this requires a multi-pronged approach that includes stricter enforcement of laws, greater accountability for social media platforms, and a concerted effort to promote tolerance and respect for differing opinions.
