Date:01/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/01/stories/2008110160471200.htm

National

We will not disrupt Chhat puja: Raj

Meena Menon

MUMBAI: In a climbdown from his violent opposition to Chhat puja celebrations by north Indians, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray has appealed to his party workers to ensure that the festival in Mumbai goes off peacefully on November 4.

Permitted by the police to speak to the media, he announced here on Friday that he had no plan to disrupt the puja.

Indicating that he was under pressure from all quarters to ensure peace during the puja, Mr. Thackeray still voiced his opposition to leaders drawing “political mileage” from the event. He said the puja should be held at an appropriate place and there should be no ‘tamasha.’

He held the media responsible for distorting his statements on the puja. “I have no opposition to any religious festival.” He said that as a child he visited the Shivaji Park to witness Ramlila as well as Durga puja festivities.

But “if there is a show of strength and that is used to spread hatred, what can I do about it? Everyone is wondering what will happen during the [Chhat] puja and there is a fear being created in the minds of people.”

Mr. Thackeray said: “There should be no political hue to any festival and it [Chhat] should be celebrated like any other festival.” However, he said, outsiders were sent here and they later became vote banks. “I totally oppose this,” he said. “The government, the municipal corporation and the Chief Minister should take action to ensure that new constituencies are not created.”