Raj Thackeray Ko Gussa Kyun Aata Hai? LokPrabha

It’s not easy, believe me, interviewing Raj Thackeray. Not because of his image of an angry young man. First, because unlike many other political leaders, he doesn’t open up. Raj is not the type of a person who happily lets loose. And second, while as an interviewer one tries to ‘read’ him, he ‘reads’ you too. This makes the task of questioning him all the more difficult. These factors in mind, I was reluctant to interview Raj. But since friend-turned-editor Pravin Tokekar insisted, I had to take upon myself the difficult task of probing Raj for the weekly LokPrabha.

For newcomers, it came with a backdrop of Raj’s widely, and in a way wildly too, famous agitation against illegal immigrants. In what started as an innocuous criticism of north leaders’ policy of exporting migrants to Mumbai, the anger soon spread like a wild-fire that engulfed the State. It was fuelled by biased news channels, especially Hindi and English ones. Anti-Maharashtra smear of these channels was so evident that they kept on addressing characters like Amar Singh and Abu Azmi with due respect while demonising Raj. Many debates on various news channels did their bit to paint Raj parochial.

At this crucial juncture, when the battle lines were being drawn between Maharashtra and other States, local regional journalists, unfortunately, were seen sitting on the fence. Political leaders like Raj’s uncle Bal Thackeray, the Shiv Sena supreme, Sharad Pawar, Congress MP from Mumbai, Gurudas Kamath, sundry writers, intellectuals – all had portrayed Raj as a villain who was out to ruin the State. While Raj-beating was on in full swing, Uddhav, his estranged cousin and executive president of the Shiv Sena, was busy encashing anti-north Indian feelings for an outfit he heads. What’s ironical, a few weeks ago in fact he had extended an olive branch to north Indians in an effort to win them over.

LokPrabha caught up with Raj Thackeray on this back drop.

Mr. Raj Thackeray, every one in the media industry has one question for you. Raj Thackeray Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai? What’s wrong with you?

Nothing. Those who feel so should check their senses. Problem is with the media. They are painting a certain picture which is not the reality. So my question to you is are these people really journalists?

They say you are a trouble maker.

Their shouting doesn’t make me so. And if calling spade a spade is trouble making, then I won’t mind being a trouble maker.

But the question remains unanswered.

What is that?

Hindi language journalists…

(interrupting) How can you call them journalists? These guys flout every norm of the profession.

Do they have any personal grouse against you?

Yes. They have. Because I support safeguarding Maharashtra’s interests, Marathi language, Marathi culture and Marathi people. It’s against their agenda.

What is it?

It is anti-Maharashtra. I’m fully aware that every other community like the Parsi, Gujarati, Marwari and Punjabi have contributed to make Maharashtra the State that it is today. But persons like Mulayam Singh, Amar Singh or Lalu Prasad Yadav come here to make this great State their fiefdom. I strongly oppose this.

But why thrash the poor bhelpuriwala or a cabbie driver?

Talk to them in private. You will sense the agenda I’m talking about. These same poor bhelpuriwala, paanwala, taxiwala have different thoughts when they become a part of a political group. In this group, an Uttar Pradeshi or a Bihari comes out from them. They want to appropriate Mumbai, Maharashtra. Me and My Maharashtra NavNirman Sena will never let them succeed in their political design. Also take a look at those running Hindi and English channels. They are journalists from the same region. That’s the reason they oppose Raj Thackeray. Because I oppose and expose their sinister designs.

But local Maharashtrian’s doesn’t seem to be buying your theory. They feel, this is yet another gimmick by yet another politician who happens to be Raj Thackeray.

(after a brief pause) You should realise that when the entire country, from the west Asian news channels to BBC and CNN reacts to Raj Thackeray’s stunt, then there has to be something in it that is more than a gimmick. You say elite Maharashtrians are not with me. But let me tell you I’m not fighting for them. My fight is for the common man who loses his job to migrants.

But why this sudden outrage?

It’s not as sudden as you think. This has been troubling for me for quite sometime. As of now we may be handful. But we will bring about a change. You will be forced to acknowledge some time from now.

Sharad Pawar said, Raj’s 15-50 people are spreading unrest.

(smiles and says sardonically) He is senior Maharashtrian leader.

I have a question over a basic point. Why so much noise over Marathi versus north Indian issue?

I have not said anything unlawful or unethical. I challenge these Hindi news channels. They should once again listen to my speech carefully and show me what’s unethical in it. But they are not interested in listening to me. These thugs want to take over Maharashtra and Mumbai. I am a hurdle in their path. Our leaders are silent or have their vested interests in north Indians’ business here. The need for an agitation against them has been felt in the last few years since these UP-Bihari started sparing their wings against the locals.

But your comment on Amitabh Bacchhan-

I took on Amitabh Bacchhan, because if you have to put across your point you have to set your eyes on a bigger target. If a veteran actor like him can display love and affection for his home state then why blame Raj Thackeray for doing the same. Recently I saw Amitabh Bacchhan’s comments on a channel, .he said, ‘I stayed in Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay (not Mumbai) but my identity is that of “chora ganga kinarewala”. What does this mean? This country, and not only Uttar Pradesh, has made you a superstar. Even then he has love for his home State. Then why criticise me if I stood by my home State.

But Balasaheb Thackeray supported Amitabh and in a way indirectly criticised you, what’s your take on it?

I will not comment on this as yet. But let me tell you one thing, the love Prabhodhankar had for Marathi has been reflected in his son Balasaheb Thackeray. This is the legacy I have.

Jaya Bacchhan said she doesn’t recognise you?

The person who uttered this is not ‘Jaya Amitabh Bacchhan’ but a Member of Parliament belonging to Amar Singh’s Samajwadi Party. Jaya Bachchan knows about my land, but is ignorant about me. How can she explain this?

But many Marathi people thought Jaya Bacchhan’s comment was that of an opportunist. They did not like it…

Then those people should air their feelings to Jaya Bacchhan! (smiles)

But Raj, in the times of Globalisation how can you have a narrow-minded, parochial approach of Maharashtra? Violent agitations?

First let us clear the air about violence. These north Indian’s come to Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and talk about lathis and batons, bringing twenty thousand thugs from Aazamgadh and what do you expect me to do? Should I celebrate Uttar Pradesh Day, Liechana Sammelan, Chhat Puja and Uttarayan? Should I dump Maharashtra’s interests in to the cowshed? Maharashtra is my land. If these north Indians talk about lathis then we should stop them immediately.

Isn’t all this against our Constitution which has guaranteed free movement to any state?

(Interrupting) What are you saying? Constitution talks about a code for our system. We have to respect and follow it in letter and spirit But the circumstances when the constitution was drafted were different than today. Let’s not forget that the constitution is for the people and not the other way round. Am I the only one who raised this issue? Sheila Dixit said the same thing, recently Prabha Rao said it and people in Assam have been saying it. These journalists who are spewing venom against me – can they go to Assam and say the same thing? Let them try this and still return in one piece from there. We will talk about it later. Remember one American who said that a new generation needs a new Constitution?

Thomas Jefferson.

Then blame Jefferson. Now Raj Thackeray is saying the same thing! (Laughs) Does our Constitution say, ‘deprive locals of job opportunities and give employment to the migrants? Today a journalist had come over to meet me…he has been staying in Mumbai for quite some time now. Leave alone Marathi…he can’t even speak Hindi. How will this be taken in other States? In other States, all day-to-day business takes place in respective regional language, signboards are in local language. But in Mumbai our municipal body insists for Hindi along with Marathi. I am not going to let that happen. Come what may.

But the globalisation?

Teach the language of globalisation to all other States first and then impose it on Maharashtra. Explain this to Karunanidhi, Chandrababu Naidu and Jailalitha first. The other day Chandrababu Naidu gave a speech in English at Shivaji Park. Did anyone in the crowd comprehend what he was saying? Does Amar Singh have the guts to ask Chandrababu Naidu to speak in Hindi and not in Telugu or English? Globalisation doesn’t mean ignoring one’s own mother tongue. These people are denying what belongs to Maharashtra, trying to kill it. I request these UP-Bihari to try and experiment in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, W. Bengal, Kerala or Karnataka. Report back to me what happens there.

Navratri is celebrated with garba, dandiya. We never, even for once, felt they are throwing around their political weight. Tell me, Maharashtra is home to Gujarati, Telugu, Tamil, Marwadi, Punjabi… every one of them. Have you ever heard them calling their leaders from their respective States? Or have they asked their leaders whom they should vote for? Why only UP-Bihari want their leaders to come to Maharashtra all the way from their states…? China is scaling new heights at the same time preserving their language and culture. France does the same way. Every State in India follows the same principle. Advice is only for Maharashtra. Why?

Don’t forget our globalized Finance Minister P. Chidambaram comes to Lok Sabha wearing his traditional Tamili mundu? Defence Minister Anthony attends the 26th January Parade dressed in Malyalam traditional costume. When French President Sarkozy visited India, Manmohan Singh put in a word about lifting the ban on turban in France. He is India’s Prime-Minister, isn’t he? When Tamilians faced problem in Malaysia, Karunanidhi accused the Malaysian government and the Indian government had to intervene in their internal affairs. Isn’t it so?

Deceased terrorist and known separatist leader of Khalistan, Jarnelsingh Bindranwale is proclaimed ‘saint’. Why doesn’t anyone raise their voice against this provincial terrorism? India’s major political leader and his party have a close association, directly-indirectly, with the LTTE, the party responsible for Rajiv Gandhi assassination. Why? They are a part of Tamil Culture, isn’t that so? I can cite many such examples.

Aren’t all of them being provincial? Aren’t they aware of our Constitution? I’m singled out to be dubbed parochial. Why? Because I belong to Maharashtra? Other leaders from Maharashtra easily give in to the leaders from the North and this is what we have been living with. I don’t care about the north Indians’ votes. I am concerned about Maharashtra. These UP-Bihari are creating a nuisance, using the Constitution as a shield. I, my party and the people of Maharashtra will not tolerate their nuisance.

One question based on this. Why didn’t you speak in Mayawati’s rally?

(pauses for a minute) Good question! Did you know this? Mayawati has changed the names of many cities in Uttar Pradesh to Shahu Nagar named after Chhatrapati Shahu, Phule Nagar named after Mahatma Phule, Ambedkar Nagar named after Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Our leaders have cashed votes on these names. Mayawati has taken Maharashtra’s three great social reformists leaders to Uttar Pradesh while the leaders from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have brought their second grade leaders to Maharashtra. Such are the ties between Mayawati and Maharashtra. Those who acknowledge Maharashtra, I respect that person. Personally, I do not want anything. You acknowledge Maharashtra’s culture; accept it, enough for me. Mayawati has not brought her State politics here in Maharashtra. If she knows what Maharashtra’s social culture is and if she is taking it to Uttar Pradesh then it’s a good thing. Why criticise her? I oppose those who come here with malice in their heart to destroy Maharashtra’s culture.

Long back Shiv Sena said the same thing…can you be sure, your party will not follow Shiv Sena?

My party will not follow the foot-steps of the Sena because it is clear from my party’s name, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. I do not want to go outside Maharashtra and against Maharashtra’s interests. Let me work for the betterment of my State. Out of 12 crore population in Maharashtra, 10.5 crore are Marathi, at least for now. How can we forget this?

Shiv Sena says it will not tolerate Marathi Provincial dispute and at the same time is making statements such as ‘migrants will be sent back, packed in parcels’. What is your view on this?

That is for Shiv Sena to decide.

Does the fact that 56 UpShakhaPramukh (Deputy Branch leader) of the Sena are from UP-Bihar. Munna Tripathi who had filed cases against Balasaheb has been honoured by Shiv Sena…

I do not want to comment on Shiv Sena’s internal politics. That is their lookout. It’s for them to decide…!

Do you think you will be arrested in this matter?

No worry. Gandhiji, Nehru have been to jail for ten-fifteen years. Balasaheb too had to face imprisonment. My party workers have been arrested by the police…Delhi has always opposed Maharashtra, they are bound to arrest me. To crush Maharashtra’s pride is their only agenda. The State government is free to decide what it wants. So am I.

What do you think?

About what?

Your party workers are arrested and pressurised by the police, your reaction about that.

The Maharashtra government favours the Samajwadi Party activists. This is unfortunate.

Instead of this crusade why don’t you work for development, culture of people of Maharashtra?

Development doesn’t mean giving up on your self-respect. This agitation could be the turning point in Maharashtra’s history. Delhi’s Deputy Governor General Tejinder Khanna echoes my sentiments. A few days back Delhi’s Chief-Minister Sheila Dixit too said the same thing about the people of Uttar Pradesh-Bihar. Assam, Punjab, Orissa, Delhi and West-Bengal all these States are fed up of UP-Bihar’s Cultural and political dominance. Only Maharashtra can set them right politically. (Pause). Wait for a few days and watch. We will make them obey law and order. I will not let them take advantage of our tolerance and allow them to indulge in Maharashtra’s politics.

There are many issues in Maharashtra…?

I am well aware of them. Farm credit, lack of infrastructure, bulging cities and many such issues are being studied by my associates. These questions have to be addressed patiently.

Will Maharashtra stand by you?

I will keep trying. If there is awareness among the people they will rise one day.

One last question.

ya…

Where will you take this agitation and on which path?

Wait and watch. This is for sure, no more shouting slogans like UP-Bihar Zaanki hai, Maharashtra abhi baki hai (UP-Bihar is just a glimpse, Maharashtra is the true picture). No more celebrating Uttar Pradesh Day in Maharashtra and no threatening by UP-Biharis. Are you through?

For now, yes.

Jai Maharashtra!!