I was prepared to go to jail, and packed my bag — Thackeray

Will you recall the sequence of events that led to your “technical arrest”?
On July 16 we came to know of the government’s decision to prosecute me in an offence registered against me seven years ago. Every day the newspapers and TV were full of reports on when I would be arrested as if all the problems of the country would disappear with my arrest. I was worried about the tension in the metropolis because there was a sharp reaction on July 16 itself. So, after four days, finally I took the lead. I decided that I should present myself before the court. But what would the court do with me? Somebody had to produce me there. So Uddhav told Commissioner of Police M N Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh — a deliberate dig at the Chief Minister for giving the impression that he was following Bhujbal’s lead — that they could arrest me technically for the purpose.

What were the proposals from the police for your “technical arrest”?
There were two proposals. Either they arrest me at my residence or I drive down to the the Commissioner’s office. I rejected both. So far as arrest at Matroshree is concerned, I was dead against it. I did not want the dirty feet of the police should touch my house. So far as Commissioner’s office is concerned, it was inconvenient. Singh was keen that I should be arrested in his office, so that he could claim credit for it. Ultimately, it was decided that the police would arrest me at the Mayor’s bungalow. I am repeating this again and again: it was a technical arrest.

Commissioner of Police M N Singh has claimed that he saved the city from a disaster by his security arragements?
False. In fact, I saved the city. Ever since the government granted permission for my prosecution, I cautioned the people against violence. Yes, I had said Mumbai would burn. But that was not a threat. I was cautioning the government. Way back in 1969, when I was arrested, the metropolis was on fire. In fact he (Bhujbal) should know what is the outcome if anyone plays with the sentiments of Shiv Sena workers. Apparently, he has forgotten those events.

During all this, an impression gained ground that you were afraid of getting arrested.
This is false propoganda. I was arrested way back in 1969. I know what is jail custody. Even on July 25, when I presented myself before the court, I was prepared to go to jail. In fact, on that day, I had come well prepared for it. I had packed my bag with three pairs of clothes. The only condition I had put was that I should be permitted to keep one of my helpers, Thapa, with me. He knows about my medicines and my needs.

We were told you agreed not to make provocative statements on the day of your arrest in return for the police not demanding your custody.
Your paper reported that and it is totally wrong. How can I agree to such a condition, particularly when I knew there is absolutely no substance in the case against me? In fact, it was the police commissioner who was calling Uddhav and others regularly to work a way out of the mess.

Bhujbal has said he will arrest you again and again if it became necessary.
Once again it relfects his biased mind. It is unfortunate that we have a Home Minister like Bhujbal. So far as my writing is concerned, the High Court has observed that it was not inflammatory. But I am disappointed with the media’s response. Whenever a minor incident takes place against newspapers or journalists, all of you stage a dharnas and hunger strikes at Sena Bhavan. But what about my rights? In as much as the writing of the editorials is concerned, I am an editor. What about my freedom and my paper’s freedom? Why didn’t the Fourth Estate get excited when Bhujbal was doing all this?

The whole case is politically motivated. Despite specific observations of the High Court that my writing do not attract the provisions of section 153 (A) of the Indian Penal Code, the case was reopened after seven years. It is simple arithmetic. It was done to divert the attention of Muslims, whom they treat as their vote bank. But let me tell you, they have absolutely no love for Muslims. Of course, their strategy cost the state dearly, about Rs 15 crore on paramilitary forces and loss of industrial production of about Rs 600 crore. I am amused that they deployed such a large police force for an ordinary man like me. It was done just to satisfy the ego of one man.

What now after the verdict in your favour?
I feel that the useless — underline the word useless — Home Minister should be sacked for misusing his official position to settle political scores. His act amounts to gross breach of the oath of secrecy he had taken when he was sworn in as the Cabinet minister. Though he was on oath to act impartially, he blatantly violated it.

Do you hate Bhujbal more or does he hate you more?
I don’t hate anybody. We were in power for nearly five years. Forget about Congress leaders, show me even one Congress party worker whom we harassed. I never indulge in dirty politics. There’s not even a single incident to show that I have acted in revenge. But Bhujbal’s action shows his culture. It amounts the revenge of the highest order. No government has behaved in such a manner ever in Maharashtra.

I have had my difference with Sharad Pawar. But I respect him for his maturity. He has not acted vindictively. He knew it would not be wise to reopen these two cases. Unfortunately, Bhujbal lacks the same kind of maturity. He is unfit to be the Home Minister, he’s just a bachcha.

Why blame Bhujbal? Don’t you think you have your own party to blame for all this? Your government dropped 22 cases against you, why didn’t they drop these two?
I asked both Manohar Joshi and Narayan Rane. Joshi specifically told me that these two files were never brought to his notice. Rane said these two files were closed at the level of the Additional Chief Secretary (Home). And then the file itself disappeared. Bhujbal’s motive is obvious in the way he had the file reconstructed on war footing. Where was the need for that?

But such files where government sanction is required, are with the General Admnistration Department which is directly under the chief minister. And Manohar Joshi has told the Srikrishna commission all cases against you were withdrawn…

See, I don’t know the procedures and processes that’s why I asked Rane (who is present at the interview) to tell you….

Are you happy with the role played by the BJP at the centre ?
Personally, I feel senior BJP leaders played a positive role, despite severe legal as well as constitutional limitations.

Soon after your arrest, a section of Sena legislators went on the rampage inside the Assembly. Do you approve such tactics?
No. I will never approve such behaviour. It was very bad. I fired them. They must maintain the dignity of the legislature. Unfortunately, all our senior leaders were busy with me in the court and these young MLAs got carried away. But it will not happen again.

Bhujbal has threatened to take action against you on the basis of the recommendations made by the Srikrishna Commission.
I am surprised at the decision, particularly when the report has been rejected by the state government. I would not like to comment on it more, since the Supreme Court is siezed of the matter.