MUMBAI, OCTOBER 21: Backtracking from his earlier stance in support of the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal, Shiv Sena Supremo Bal Thackeray on Sunday voiced his opposition to the deal and came down heavily on the UPA Government for its pro- America stance. He was speaking at the Shiv Sena Dussehra rally at the Shivaji Park here.

“Why do these people love America so much? What kind of foul play is at work here? America wants to make us slaves,” said Thackeray, addressing the annual rally after a one-year gap. He added that though he had initially supported the deal, he had changed his stance after seeing the “acts of the US”.

He also claimed that the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project, which will cut across the Ram Sethu, was floated for the benefit of US ships. “What if these ships attack us? Do these people know how this will be against the national interest?” he questioned in his usual acerbic style, asking the people to defeat the Congress in the forthcoming state elections. The Sena chief dubbed the Congress as a “curse” and vehemently criticised state Revenue Minister Narayan Rane for ditching Sena to join Congress.

At the beginning of the speech, Thackeray had hinted how the common man had little to do with the nuclear deal as it was taking precedence over issues like the rise in prices of essential commodities. He also likened the differences between the UPA and its Left allies as the fight between two neighbours in a chawl.

Thackeray questioned whether the country was free and added that flag hoisting on Republic Day and Independence Day did not amount to being so. In states like Assam and Mizoram, “Naxals and Christians were fostering trouble”, he said. Nepal too was losing its status of ‘Hindu rasthra’ and Sri Lanka had the Tamil Tigers and “Naxals”.

“How are we free?” questioned Thackeray, asking whether the Centre had taken any action against the offenders.

Thackerayspeak

• On Bhujbal: Amidst rumors that former Sainik and state PWD Minister Chhagan Bhujbal would wind his way back to the Shiv Sena from the NCP, Thackeray said he had little to say on the issue. “I will not say anything about Chhagan Bhujbal,” Thackeray said, asking: “Why should I hurt anyone who is loving me?” Thackeray, however, questioned why “sense had dawned late” on Bhujbal and noted how he had quit the Sena in 1992 with 18 MLAs in tow.

• On Dance Bars: Thackeray later took on Deputy Chief Minister R.R Patil for the ban on dance bars. “They were making ends meet by dancing. But if there is any Bangladeshi (among the bar girls), they must be chased away. Bangladeshi Muslims should not be allowed to stay here,” he said amidst cheers from the crowd.