MNS chief Raj Thackeray strikes on time

MNS chief Raj Thackeray understands ‘timing’ better in politics than any other opposition party. While the Shiv Sena and the Bhartiya Janata Party resorted only to a token protest, Raj defied the police and proceeded to hold the rally march from Girgaum Chawpatty to Azad Maidan. Political gurus believe Raj did not just succeed in showing the strength of his following, but also garnered the sympathy of the police and people who were upset about the August 11 riots. The transfer of the former Mumbai police commissioner, Arup Patnaik, is credited to him as the action was taken barely 48 hours after his demand.