"Thackeray Is Not Bjp's Bonded Labour"

You were to come to Bombay and meet Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray. Why did your plans change suddenly?

I was to come to Bombay, but there was too much pressure of work because of the August 20 rally. We had a few tasks to finish before that day. I was to come to Bombay, I was supposed to meet Balasaheb. There is nothing wrong in this.

Is that the sole reason for your visit?

I was coming to call on Madhu Deolekar (BJP dissident leader) and offer my condolences—his mother passed away recently. But as I said, I would have meet Balasaheb.

You see nothing wrong in upsetting the BJP here with your actions?

Nothing.

The Maharashtra BJP is unhappy over your decision to strengthen ties with Thackeray. Delhi has conveyed this to the Sena chief.

Bal Thackeray is not the BJP's bonded labour that they should decide who he should meet and who he should not meet. If I come to Bombay, I'll definitely meet him. That's on my agenda.

Do you foresee a Sena-Vaghela alliance?

Yes, this is also a possibility. Why not?

What about the Sena-BJP alliance in Maharashtra?

I don't know how long it'll last, anyway. It's always been shaky.

Why do you say that?

They don't even share a common minimum programme.

Won't the existing alliance stop you from seeking ties?

Why should it? The problem is we don't have too many people in Maharashtra. There are some like Madhu Deolekar.

Will any Gujarat MLAs join your new party?

I've refused—I don't want to disturb Suresh Mehta's government.

What about corporators?

Eighty per cent of the corporators are with me.

What kind of response is your party getting?

Very good. The OBCs are enthusiastic—a large number attended my rally last week. Party workers and leaders (in Gujarat) are all coming to me. You can see the response at the launch.

Is there any question of patching up with the BJP?

None at all.