MUMBAI: The Tiger has roared. And how. The Shiv Sena party today announced that CAS will not become a reality in Mumbai as long as it is opposing its entry into the city and it is behind Mumbai's last mile operators.
At a meeting called by the Cable Operators' Distributors Association, the Shiv Sena turned up in full strength with party heavweights Subhash Desai, Vilas Awchat, Sanjay Nirupam, Anil Parab making impassioned speeches on its opposition to CAS and the fact that it was behind Mumbai's cable operators.
While supremo Bal Thackeray did not turn up, anointed heir Udhav Thackeray showed that he is a chip off the old block. "We have sent out a signal to the government by today's gathering of the cable trade, let the government send out the right signals too," Thackeray said. "Delhi has been called off, West Bengal says it will not go ahead, Chennai has been cold to CAS, then why should Mumbai embrace it?" he asked. "There is no way, absolutely no way that CAS will happen in Mumbai as long as we are opposing it. When I speak you can be sure I have all of Balasaheb's blessing to do so."
Thackeray implored Mumbai's cable operators to stay united and not give in to enticements from MSOs or broadcasters who will try to break them up. "I am impressed by the unity that the cable TV operators have shown under the umbrella of CODA. Keep that going, we are behind you all the way."