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| Edited By: Dhaval Kulkarni |Source: DNA |Updated: Jul 22, 2015, 07:50 AM IST
Saamna has been very strident in its criticism of the Modi-led government and the BJP...
It is wrong to say that we criticise the BJP in a pre-meditated manner. Those who say this have no idea about the Sena and the freedom of the press. We have never targeted anyone. We only voice the sentiments of the people. We never say anything behind people's backs, we say things in others' faces and never betray people. Saamna puts forth comments and reality about the government and politics. We do not believe in mincing words.
The drift of your weekly column on Sunday was that despite the BJP government coming to power, little has changed on the ground. What do you have to say to that?
This opinion was first voiced by party president Uddhav Thackeray. People want instantaneous change, but this is not possible. The previous government has made mistakes and it will take time for this government to negotiate its way out in the system. Modi spoke about the advent of "achche din", but this cannot happen in a day. But the process has to at least start.
Most people are from the working class, below the poverty line and labourers. They want change to begin immediately. Saamna is the loudspeaker of the sentiments of the people. Maharashtra needs industries and job creation. The effects will be seen gradually. Industries minister (and senior Sena leader) Subhash Desai has plans to create 20 lakh jobs. However, this will not happen overnight.
Will the Sena continue in the state government for five years?
The Sena and Uddhavji feel that Maharashtra should not be unstable and that the Congress and NCP should not come to power.
Will the Sena and BJP ally for the BMC elections?
Time will determine it. Uddhav Thackeray will take a decision. The Sena will ally only with honour.
Ministers in the central and state governments are facing allegations and charges. What is the Sena's view?
The people voted for this government because they wanted change. It is the responsibility of all to act in a cautious manner. To see media reports like in the days of the previous government is not correct.
What is your view about the performance of the state government? The perception is that the sheen is wearing off too fast…
The state government has not completed even a year in office. This government is not of the Sena. The Sena is just a participant in it. The government must increase the pace of its work. People must see the tangible benefits. The government is learning the ropes.
The Sena's demand for complete loan waivers for farmers has not been acted upon by the state government. How do you feel about that?
If loan waivers are not to be done, it must be clarified about what will be done to ensure that farmers do not commit suicide. Investment must come to Maharashtra, jobs must be created. It is good if this will prevent people from dying of hunger or committing suicides.
In your column, you spoke about how the Modi government, like the previous dispensation, was making overtures to Pakistan…
People are incensed over Pakistan and Kashmir. We are spending on maintaining a security apparatus, Pakistani and ISIS flags are being unfurled in Kashmir, our soldiers are dying... This is not good. While the two prime ministers (Modi and Nawaz Sharif) were in talks, firing was happening from across the border and our soldiers were being killed and terrorists were being sponsored. Narendra Modi can teach a lesson to Pakistan. He has a majority (in the Lok Sabha) and can, hence, take stern steps. No one will question him about this.
