No question of post-poll alliance with MNS: Uddhav Thackeray

In a strategic shift of policy, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray has embarked on Mission Mumbai by bringing the development plank to the centre stage, whilst chanting the magic mantra — karun dakhavle (Yes, we have done it...), which he believes will bring electoral dividends. In an interview with Shubhangi Khapre, he says Mumbai deserves better treatment from the Congress at both state and central levels.

Is the BMC poll going to be a do or die battle for the Shiv Sena?
In every election, the Shiv Sena has been subject to such tests, and has emerged stronger. Look at the state of all other parties, all of which are grappling with challenges to their leadership. In that sense, the Sena is far better organised and prepared for the big battle ahead.

Are you hinting at a revolt within the MNS?
I don’t want to give MNS any importance. But those who were giving lessons on leadership to undermine me, are now at the receiving end. They should introspect. At least the Sena has never witnessed the magnitude of rebellion as witnessed in the MNS and others. They have had to shut down their offices.

What was your strategy?
I salute my sainiks. They are my strength. Or else, how does one explain the decision to provide 96 new candidates of the total 135 in the BMC elections?

Will the MNS split your Marathi votes, paving the way for the Congress-NCP in BMC polls?
A few years ago there was a craze for Chinese goods. But over the last five years, people have realised the goods couldn’t be trusted for their value or utility. Chinese goods are fake. They don’t last. People have now realised that the Sena is more dependable when it comes to delivering work.

How about the idea of a post-poll alliance with the MNS?
The question does not arise. I am confident of the Sena-BJP-RPI alliance getting the public mandate.

How do you counter the huge anti-incumbency factor?
It is a myth. If the Sena were on the back foot, would the Congress and NCP swallow their egos and forge an alliance at any cost to fight us?

What will be the role of the RPI?
Shiv Shakti-Bhim Shakti indicates churning within social and electoral politics. The dalits have realised that the Congress has exploited them for vote bank.

What about public perception of poor civic amenities?
Mumbai is the one city in the world which gives the cheapest water at Rs2.50 and Rs3.50 per 1,000 litres. Through our efforts, malaria and dengue were brought under control. It would be foolish to claim that we could have a mosquito-free Mumbai. Potholes on the eastern and western express highways, which are maintained by Public works Department or roads under MMRDA/ MSRDC, are accounted as our failure. Contractors are shortlisted by the government, not the BMC. The standing committee has corporators from all parties, not the Sena alone.

Yet there is a water crisis in Mumbai?
The population of Mumbai is more than 1.5 crore. The present infrastructure enables us to comfortably cope with just 80 lakh people. The new project of a 12.5km tunnel for water supply, which will be completed in May 2012, will improve the situation.

What about mismanagement in the BMC under saffron regime?
There is a not a single charge of corruption against us in BMC. The government itself gave us a clean chit in the state assembly.

Why are the MMRDA, BMC and government at loggerheads?
In the last 15 years, there has been a definite design by the Congress-NCP government to undermine the authority of the BMC. Their chief concern is to finish the Shiv Sena, which is the only party genuinely concerned about the welfare of Mumbai and its people.