Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Mamata institutes Bal Thackeray Award for Cartoonists

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Bannerjee pulled an apparent volte face today and announced the Bal Thackeray Memorial Award for cartoonists in India. Mamata's public image had suffered after her act of calling students as Maoists when questioned about Government policies, and arresting Professor Ambikesh Mahapatra earlier this year for poking fun at her. Recently, Press Council Chairman, Justice (Retd) Markandey Katju had recently said that Mamata is intolerant to criticism and wants to be surrounded by yes-men.

TMC party sources say that Mamata wanted to spruce up her public image and the death of Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray came as an opportunity, and the award was instituted. Bal Thackeray began his career as a cartoonist.

The Shiv Sena is facing flak for curbing freedom of expression following the arrest of 2 girls. They have also issued a bundh call following the transfer of the magistrate and suspension of two police officers who   initiated the arrest. The West Bengal government proposal has come as a golden opportunity to the Shiv Sena who readily accepted it.

P.S. I might get arrested for this post. Don't be surprised.

No comments: