We8217;ll get a clear majority in Assembly8217;

In the event that the Sena-BJP is able to retain power, who will the next Chief Minister be? Is there any dispute over the election of one?

The new Chief Minister will be decided by Sena supremo Bal Thackeray. There is absolutely no dispute over the election of the new Chief Minister. The row over the new Chief Minister is media-created; we never discuss the new Chief Minister8217;s election. However, in every media briefing, I am asked the same question.

How do you see the alliance government8217;s performance?

By and large, the performance of the alliance government has been outstanding. Compared to the erstwhile Congress Government, we got less time. In addition, at least one-and-a-half years were lost with the code of conduct being in force for one election or the other. Despite this, we have been able to deliver the goods. We have especially succeeded in meeting the demands of the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. Besides, we undertook special programmes for Mumbai and the removal of regional imbalances.

One of the charges against the alliance government is that it failed to provide jobs to 27 lakh youths, which you had promised.

It will be wrong to blame me or the alliance government for it. In fact, following massive investments in major projects, we were able to generate a record 21 lakh jobs, but found that urban youths were reluctant to accept them. I announced employment generation plans in 1990. When we took the reins of the State, there was an exponential growth in the State8217;s population while job opportunities remained more-or-less the same.

Simultaneously, the government stopped recruitments in almost all sectors. To tackle the situation, I set up the Shiv Udyog Sena. So far, I have disbursed Rs 1.75 crore for self-employment programmes and provided jobs to 7,500 persons.

Is the Shiv Sena facing major trouble from rebels, particularly in the Konkan region?

Compared to the Congress, which witnessed a vertical split, anti-party activities in our party are almost negligible. Bal Thackeray has also expelled some of the rebels for contesting against the Shiv Sena8217;s official nominees.

Why was similar disciplinary action not taken against former Social Welfare minister Babanrao Gholap, who is now contesting as an Independent from Devlali?

Gholap8217;s case is different from that of the rebels in Konkan. Prima facie, it appears Gholap is not at fault. Because of someone8217;s mistake in the organisation, there was delay in delivering the authorisation letter to his nephew Ravikiran.

However, I am not trying to justify the Gholap8217;s candidature as an Independent, but Bal Thackeray has already declared that his party has withdrawn from the fray.

How are your relations with Uddhav reports indicate that you are not on good terms with him. Is the organisation divided between you and Uddhav, and does it stem from the struggle within the party?

That is not the case. I feel that a minor incident was blown out of proportion by a section of the media. Neither Uddhav nor I are in the race to secure any post in Government, although if we wish to, we can occupy a coveted post. No doubt, with the concerted efforts of Bal Thackeray, we were able to wrest power from the Congress, but it will be wrong for me or Uddhav to accept a Government post as it will be doing a great injustice to those who are with the Shiv Sena from the time we were not even born. We are seeing better days for the Shiv Sena because of their sacrifice andstruggle.

What will your role be if the struggle continues?

If there is a power struggle in the organisation or a rift in the family, I will not remain in politics for a moment. I am not the kind of person to stoop to any level for petty political gains. For me, family ties are more important that politics.

How do you propose to improve the image of the Shiv Sena, dogged by charges of corruption, extortion and rowdyism?

I think it will be wrong to make such charges against the Shiv Sena. These are all politically motivated allegations, particularly on the eve of the elections. Politicians, particularly belonging to the Opposition, are making baseless, generalised charges. If they bring any specific case to my notice, I will certainly look into it. I challenge the Opposition to declare at least one name.

On poll eve, the Opposition, particularly the Nationalist Congress Party, has again raised the issue of Ramesh Kini8217;s death. Is the chapter closed?

After the court order and investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation, the chapter, to me, is closed. But I am surprised that the NCP, which is maligning me again, has virtually left the Kini8217;s widow in the lurch. I think the NCP, particularly Chhagan Bhujbal, is left with no issues and therefore, is trying to raise the Kini case for obvious political reasons. He will not succeed.