The drama that unfolded over Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari’s remarks that were taken as an insult to Marathi pride, has also raised questions over the role of the governor’s critics and their respective parties, then and now, in helping the Marathi manoos to prosper and bring him at par with the Gujarati and Rajasthani communities, who, according to the governor, hold all the wealth that makes Mumbai the financial capital of the country. The Gujarati and Rajasthani communities never had a significant share in the governments that have ruled the state. On the other hand, the Marathi leaders have been controlling the power and continue to do so even now. Why have they not made their own rich? Not all Marathi people could be rich, but at least, they are not expected to struggle to make both ends meet – such a precarious situation prevails outside Mumbai and Thane cities where poverty is much less than in the rural parts.

Farmers continue to struggle with agrarian crisis, the landless strive. But that does not mean that Mumbai and Thane have all its Marathi population living very comfortably. Neither do non-Marathi people - Gujarati and Rajasthani people included. All communities have their share of people living in poverty. The difficult life out there in the hinterland has made Mumbai a preferred destination that somehow assures survival, at least puts one on the brink before s/he steps on the way to his/her socio-economic stability.