ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

`Rebellion will not affect results'

Uddhav Thackeray, executive president of the Shiv Sena, son of Sena supremo Bal Thackeray and possibly the future Chief Minister of Maharashtra, is ready for a tough electoral battle. This Assembly elections, he knows, is crucial not only for the Sena to re-establish itself as a party to contend with, but for him to prove his mettle as the one who can lead the party. In an interview to Anupama Katakam, the normally elusive 43-year-old wildlife photographer spoke on the leadership issue and about the unprecedented rebellion in the party. Excerpts:

VIVEK BENDRE

Did you have any indication of the possibility of dissension in the Sena?

This sort of thing happens before every election. Until the last minute, as you know, we were trying to work out things with the rebels. In the end only two or three people did not change their position. Those rebels are blinded by greed. These people will no longer get party support. In fact, the party's doors are closed to them. The number of rebels in the Shiv Sena is very few compared to that in the Congress and NCP [Nationalist Congress Party].

But the Sena has probably not witnessed an open rebellion before?

Are you questioning my leadership? Because of two or three rebels, can my leadership be in question? Does the rebellion in the Congress and NCP in Maharashtra mean that people are against the leadership of Sonia Gandhi and Sharad Pawar? I am not scared of what conclusions people are drawing from this so-called rebellion. I personally approved all the Shiv Sena candidates. For the past two to three years I have travelled extensively all over Maharashtra reviewing the constituencies and the performance of Shiv Sena leaders. We also appointed a professional agency to conduct a public survey of the legislators. We spoke to Zilla Pramukhs, Taluka Pramukhs and Shakha Pramukhs to evaluate their performances. After getting the inputs, we prepared the final list, which was ultimately approved by my father. I don't think the selection was unfair.

What kind of impact do you think the rebellion will have on the final results? Do you think the increasing number of independent candidates in the fray will play a decisive role in determining who comes to power?

They will have no impact. Whoever has defected from our party has never come back to power. Independents have an insignificant role. These elections are based on the non-performance of the ruling coalition. Anti-incumbency will be the biggest factor in these elections.

What is your electoral strategy? And what are the issues you plan to tackle?

We are focussing on what the Democratic Front did not do. In Mumbai after five years, they have done nothing new. We built flyovers, started building the sea link and began efforts to link the Western and Eastern suburbs. We will continue this work when we come back [to power].

In rural areas we plan to provide drinking water, make electricity free, write off Rs.6,500 crores of loans taken by farmers, look at ways to stop farmers' suicides and tackle malnutrition.

Maharashtra is grappling with a debt of one lakh crores? Will you be able to provide so many sops?

When we quit the government in 1999, the debt was Rs.45,000 crores. We took loans but we used the money well. We are not scared of taking this on - Darna mana hai (he quotes the title of a Hindi film).

You cannot have a Chief Minister and Ministers constantly crying about Maharashtra being bankrupt. Investors will be scared. We have to renew confidence in Maharashtra as an investment destination. We have to build up the State again.

What has happened to the Hindutva card? It is conspicuously absent in this election?

During the campaign we cannot use the Hindutva card as it is against the code of conduct. Hindutva is very much the party's identity.

Your comments on the Veer Savarkar issue.

Savarkar is an issue and will remain an issue for us until those lines at the Andaman jail are put back. The common man is angry because the removal of the plaque is an insult not only to the State but also the whole nation. The issue would have died down if the government were not so defiant. Mani Shankar Aiyar [Union Minister] has refused to apologise. I feel he has Sonia Gandhi's support or else he would not be so confident.

What about the Afzal Khan tomb incident? The Sena distanced itself from the issue?

We believe the tomb should remain because Shivaji built it to show his enemies how they will be dealt with. We oppose beautifying it and holding festivities there. Afzal Khan was an enemy. There is no need to celebrate him.

You are in the line-up for the chief ministership if your party wins... .

I'll say what Balasaheb says, `First let us win the elections then we will decide the Chief Minister.'

There are rumours about leadership battles within the Sena. Can you give us a clear picture?

Isn't this an old issue? There is a lot of speculation about Raj (Thackeray). He is very active in the party and currently deeply involved in the elections. This is something the media blew out of proportion.

Do you think the Sena needs an image revamp? Other parties use public relations firms during elections. You do not have one?

We don't need a new image. Only those who don't have an image need help to build one.

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