Mr. Thackeray’s Interview

Q: Some of the Urdu papers have alleged that you have demanded a ban on the Quran. A: No, this is totally incorrect. I am not anti-Muslim. Q: It is said that you used derogatory words against Prophet Muhammad. A: This is another blatant lie. My speeches were tape-recorded. There was not a word against the Prophet. Actually, I gave his example. This is what I said in my speech: “Once, the Prophet was sitting in his mosque with his disciples. A Hindu came there and spat on one of the walls of the mosque. The disciples shouted, “Maro, Maro!” But the Prophet stopped them from becoming violent. Then, he washed the wall with a bucketful of water. The Hindu fell ashamed. And that is how we should win people, he told his disciples. But where is that kind of tolerance in this community now?” Q: It is said that the speeches you made were inflammatory. A: It’s a matter of interpretation. I wanted to ventilate my grievances. Hindu grievances. If we want to organize a meeting or want to take out a procession, it is prohibited. The Shiv Jayanti procession [in Bhiwandi] was allowed after 14 years. Everyone cares for their [Muslims’] feelings. What about our sentiments? As if we don’t have any emotions [and] are not human beings. As if we are not supposed to discuss our religion. Treat all religions at par. Why should mosques alone have special permission to use loudspeakers? Which religion preaches disturb[ing] somebody? Hindu temples don’t use loudspeakers. Now they [Muslims] are asking for more concessions. It is indeed disturbing. After all, this country belongs to us. Whoever wants to stay here, can stay as brothers. We’re not going to put any restrictions. But to call them ‘minorities’ and give them special concessions will spoil the very unity of the country. I am not telling anything to my followers. I am not