Terming the ‘Mumbai for all’ row a political gimmick to divide the state, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray said there has been no trigger in the recent past for the controversy.
Unleashing a no-holds-barred attack on Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi, Thackeray told DNA that politicians need to concentrate on real issues and not brew trouble.
What is your stand on the ‘Mumbai for all’ issue?
Anti-Maharashtra people are painting a picture that North Indians are not safe in Mumbai. Show me a single incident in the past year where a North Indian was beaten up. We haven’t ever said Mumbai isn’t part of India. All we want is that Maharashtrians should have the first right in the city.
Does the Sena discriminate against North Indians?
The Shiv Sena saved Mumbaikars during the 1992-93 riots. That time we saved the Hindus, not Maharashtrians or North Indians. States have been formed on linguistic basis. Every language must get respect in its state, whether it is Gujarati or Bengali.
Then why is this issue being politicised?
A few people are conspiring to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra. These are the people who have been making remarks on the city for the past two days.
They think the Sena has become weak after its defeat in the assembly election and Maharashtrians are divided. But let me tell you one thing very clearly. Neither has the Sena become weak nor are Maharashtrians divided. Whenever there is a need to raise a voice against any injustice, you will see the Maharashtrians unite.
What was wrong with Rahul Gandhi’s statement?
Rahul insulted the martyrs of 26/11. The National Security Guards (NSG) had sent a letter of thanks to the party. Our workers had helped the commandos locate the bylanes leading to Nariman House. It was the Sena which took care of the jawans on 26/11.
Will you stop Rahul from coming to Maharashtra?
No. We will protest, but not immediately. Rahul said Mumbai is a part of India. Who denies that? But does he know that the Indian flag was not hoisted in Srinagar on January 26? Is Kashmir not a part of India? Why does he not speak about that? Does anyone speak in favour of the Kashmiri Pandits who have had to leave the valley due to terrorism? I appeal to Rahul to come with me to Srinagar. Let us hoist the Tricolour there proudly.
What is the Sena’s stand on Shah Rukh Khan?
Sena is showing its pride in India by opposing the Pakistani players in IPL. Shah Rukh made a mistake by speaking in favour of the Pakistani players. He should restrict himself to his field, films. He should mind his business and not jump into the issue.
But the Sena had felicitated Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad
Miandad had come with Dilip Vengsarkar to seek permission from Balasaheb [Thackeray] to allow the Pakistani team to play in Mumbai. Balasaheb rejected his demand.
Are your relations with the BJP strained?
We were firm on our stand on Mumbai and Vidarbha even before we entered into an alliance with the BJP. They may think differently, but we will not change our stand. I do not want to break the alliance. But what can I say about their policies?
Is the Sena’s latest stand due to the MNS?
This is a very minor topic which doesn’t merit discussion.
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