For almost four days during this third week of July 2010, we all witnessed a big drama played by Mr.Chandrababu Naidu (ex-CM of Andhra Pradesh) and his supporters on the soil of Maharashtra. First of all, he entered the state for a dharna with his team of MLA’s and MP’s challenging the prohibition orders and deliberately got himself arrested. After their arrest he refused bail and went on demanding luxuries like A/c in rooms, comforts for sleeping and home made food. More so, he behaved arrogantly with the District administration of Maharashtra. All this coverage was brought to us live by all Marathi TV channels, but the local media representatives of Andhra Pradesh, who had accompanied Mr. Naidu and his team reported a different picture to their home state; quoting harassment to their ex-CM.

Now, everybody in Maharashtra knew that it was a big show on the part of Mr. Naidu and his team, to regain popularity over this water distribution issue ( matter still pending in Court) for the forthcoming re-elections in Telangana district which is close to Maharashtra-AP border. Initially, the Government of Maharashtra seemed to be lenient in their stand; but when they observed trouble with the demands coming from the AP leader beyond their capacity to meet; they took stern action against him booking him under various sections for violating law and order. But, to the surprise of all, the charges were withdrawn all of a sudden against him and he was taken from the Babhli village to Aurangabad by A/c bus for onward transmission to Hyderabad.

Now, looking at the entire episode, it is immaterial for the viewers in Maharashtra , as to who won this prestige battle. What was important was at whose cost this so called tamashaa was held and at whose cost the special plane was hired to take back these unwanted guests? But, Star Majha held a debate inviting the MP of Telgu Desam Party Mr. Basha to participate over a phone and was grilled with questions only to cause embarrassment to the leader . Even the two participating guests –Mr. Awhad of NCP and Mr Raote of SS, didn’t leave a single opportunity to counter the TDP MP. But, what was more surprising was to see the channel highlighting the full form of TDP as Tamashaa Dhingana Party, after this entire episode. In all, the Marathi news channels only exposed the internal politics between the Congress and NCP on this issue, instead of highlighting the cost factor.

Watching all such news during the past fortnight either related to the Belgaum border issue followed by the Tamashaa by TDP, the Government of Maharashtra has somehow managed to get away with the opposition over the price rise issue. Even our news channels have forgotten about it. But, they covered the most disciplined Dindi processions of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar besides covering devotees gathered for Ashdhi Ekadashi. After all, they will only telecast the latest happenings of public interest. So, why blame them.

On the entertainment side, the new serial 'One Two ka Four' on Mi Marathi from Bharat Jadhav does not seem to be shower of laughter as it deals with the same old plot of comedy- a man managing his two women at different places. 'Lajja' on Zee Marathi has picked up well with good performance coming from Girija Oak. She has good support coming from Shilpa Navalkar’s screenplay.

by Ulhas Shirke © MMW