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This article was first published 11 years ago

'Saheb's darshan was only meant for big leaders'

Last updated on: November 18, 2012 22:55 IST

Savera R Someshwar in Mumbai

Thousands of ordinary Shiv Sainiks poured in from different parts of Maharashtra on Sunday for the last glimpse of their ultimate leader -- but many of them were left disappointed at the end of it all. Savera R Someshwar reports from Shivaji Park, Dadar.

They had patiently waited at Shivaji Park, Dadar, sweltering under the hot sun.

They had waited uncomplainingly since the early hours of the morning, sure that this place -- where the Tiger of Maharashtra roared unfailingly every Dushhera, enthusing his followers and showering them with his love -- was the one place they would not be let down; they would finally, here, get their Hridhaysamrat's 'anthim darshan (last glimpse).'

But that was not to be...

It was evening by the time Sena supremo Bal Thackeray's funeral procession, which began in the morning from Matoshree, finally reached Shivaji Park.

At around 5.15 pm, loudspeakers announced that darshan had been stopped and the funeral would begin.
Angry Sainiks could not believe they would not get a last glimpse of their god.

Please ...

'Only big, big leaders will have the privilege of darshan'


Photographs: Savera R Someshwar/Rediff.com

It was a fear that had been expressed by the ordinary Sainiks through the day.

By those who had walked in the funeral procession, and had struggled to get close to the decorated truck on which the once-fiery Bal Thackeray lay peacefully, attended to by his grieving family members and party leaders.

By those who had followed the truck, but had not got a single glimpse of their leader.

By those who had joined the procession enroute.

"We only wanted darshan, but we may not be able to see our beloved leader. Only big, big leaders will have that privilege," a Sainik was overheard saying this morning.

Please ...

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'Did we come so far just for this?'


"Did we come so far just for this?" asked many of the Sainiks at Shivaji Park angrily. "We could have just sat at home and watched it on television. We didn't need to watch it on the giant screens here."

Their ire was then directed at each other, as they urged those standing to sit, in the vain hope that at least this would allow them a glimpse of their 'Saheb.'

Please ...

Tags: , Shivaji Park

'Who will look after us now?'


Photographs: Savera R Someshwar

But, as a grieving son lit the flames that would send his father on the final journey, a wail arose, "Who will look after us now?"

It was as if an imaginary restraint had been broken.

The Sainiks surged forward, pushing against the barriers, shoving each other, as they stumbled past the burning pyre, tears stinging their eyes.

 

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