Bal ThackerayShiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray spoke to Principal Correspondent Sheela Raval. Excerpts:Q. Why is the Sena against Fire?A.Some of our Mahila Aghadi members told usFireis an obscene film. My son Udhav asked them to see it. I said if this is the case then there is no go ... I added petrol toFire.Q. Have you seen the film?A.I saw it the very next day. It is about lesbianism and there are two scenes of sexual acts between two women. But is it fair to show such things which are not a part of Indian culture? Masturbation is a common practice but can you do it openly?Q. What is the main objection?A.In the name of art and progressive intellectualism you can't manipulate public medium and corrupt tender minds. Tomorrow it might start in all ladies hostels. It is a sort of social AIDS.Q. But the Censor Board has given it an 'A' certificate?A.Perhaps they took advantage of that great lady called Sushma Swaraj who was information and broadcasting minister then. Shabana and Sushma are good friends and the actress must have used her friendship to get it cleared.Q. Do you justify the acts of violence, especially when your government is in power?A.I have asked my Sainiks to stop damaging theatres because our fight is against the film. It is alright for hi-fi societywallahs to sit in their AC cabins and talk about democracy. But do they know what public sentiment is all about?Q. But the chief minister himself is encouraging violence.A.He only encouraged party workers who opposed the film.Q. Aren't you running the city in an autocratic manner?A.Why restrict my powers when I am running the government? Thackeray is doing good things for people and the media reporting is biased.Q.What if the Censor Board or the court gives a verdict against your opinion?A.If they pass the film as it is then I'll invite the Pakistani cricket team to come and play here. I'll welcome the extremists from Pakistan. I'll ask the Bangladesh government to send more and more Muslims to our country as there is enough barren land here. If needed we will vacate our houses for them in the interest of the nation. If you don't have that much respect for the nation then I'll allow this nation to go to the dogs. If you allowFirethen allow Nathuram Godse also. That is democracy. Let there be one yardstick.Published By: AtMigration Published On: Dec 21, 1998--- ENDS ---
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