SpeakAsia Online ScamRaj Thackeray News
People fear him, people love him. People find him unreasonable and yet for
many he is the reason. Certain sections of the media hate him, but can’t stop
talking about him. The man is full of contrasts and hence an enigma. His
controversial stand on things has been a topic of much discussion and yet, his
perspective is misunderstood. So on a busy Sunday afternoon, I settle down to
ask Raj Thackeray the questions that have plagued my mind. Adrenaline flows
freely as a bunch of people are putting together the final stages of is soon to
be launched website. In the midst of it all, Mr. Thackeray patiently hears out
my queries and challenges my thoughts with valid counter questions.
- Your
name is Swararaj Thackeray. Tell us about your journey from Swararaj to Raj
Thackeray. - You
just mentioned that you love music. What’re your musical
influences? - In
your younger years, you have been around your uncle Balasaheb, who was very
encouraging and supportive towards artistes. When you set up Maharashtra
Navnirman Sena, we notice that a lot of artistes hold key positions within MNS.
Is this the influence of Balasaheb? - But
if you are an artiste and your friends understand your position, why is it that
the people get terrorised by the very same stand? - You’ve
always appreciated art, but post 26/11, you took a stand that Pakistani artistes
should not be allowed to perform in India. Your father was a fan of Ghulam Ali
and Mehdi Hassan’s and yet this stand? - You
are an ardent follower of Adolf Hitler as well as Mahatma Gandhi? How do you
manage that? - But
your stand is clearly against migrant workers coming into Maharashtra. What
about those Maharashtrians who travel to the US or other countries for
work? - Many
agree with your stand, they understand what you’re trying to achieve but they
don’t agree with your means of achieving the result. What do you have to say to
them? - Mumbai
is one of the safest places in India for women. Things like abductions, rapes
etc. which are a regular phenomenon in states like Bihar are relatively in check
in a city like Mumbai. What is your take on preserving this
environment? - You
just said that the citizens should be least disturbed by the government or the
administration. But with your entire campaign, a lot of labourers fled the
state, halting work in the factories. If your campaign causes such economic
stops, you must have a solution? - This
stand of yours has been discussed again and again in the media and many sections
openly spoke about disliking your ‘fascist’ ideologies. And yet, there are
thousands of people who adore you, look up to you. Do you think the media is
trying to influence people against you, and why?
I came to interview Mr. Thackeray, but by the time I walked out, he had
planted numerous questions in my mind to! The man stands for values he believes
in and however extreme his views are, they now make sense to me.
- Shakti
Salgaokar
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