Mumbai showed on Friday that the city's spirit will not be defeated by Shiv Sena's politics of threats when Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'My Name Is Khan' released to packed multiplexes.
CNN-IBN spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan on the promise that the government made to the people of Maharashtra.
CNN-IBN: What we saw today was Mumbai show the spirit that its known for. Mr Chavan would you say this is a victory for the people of the Mumbai city or to the fact that your government did act on the promise you made to ensure the release of My Name is Khan?
Ashok Chavan: I attribute the entire success of today to the people of Mumbai and Maharashtra because the success has been possible only because of the people. They have gone and seen the film.
CNN-IBN: Mr Chavan, the fact that 30 per cent of the Mumbai police force was diverted to do duty to protect a film may rankle many. The fact that the Sena could hold the city to ransom is a pity- possibly because the government has been swishy washy in dealing with it in the past?
Ashok Chavan: Ten or Twelve theatres initially in Mumbai had started screening. They were provided whatever security was available to us. But on Thursday, as I said it's high time for such political parties, who involve themselves in bullying the people. They should realise that we have a responsibility towards the people of our country.
The police department, which we have trained is supposed to handle naxalism and terrorism, unfortunately is handling law and order situations because of such political parties. We have seen the mood of the people. It's high time for Shiv Sena to withdraw from agitation. Let people do what they feel is right.
CNN-IBN: Do we then assume that your government will not dither in the future? You did come under flak for how you dealt with the MNS's threats in the past. Will your government from now on act as you have in this case. Is there going to be zero tolerance?
Ashok Chavan: Well, as I have promised earlier that my job is to protect people. I've kept my word and whether I've behaved rightly or wrongly this is for media to check. It's for you to judge who I am.
CNN-IBN: But Mr Chavan, there has been inconsistency in the stand taken by your government in the past. Which some would say let the 'goonda raj' could continue. Do you believe that your stand today will deter the Sena from now on that this politics of intimidation will stop?
Ashok Chavan: The reference can be drawn with what we have done today and that is the stand of the government which was consistent right from day one. But everyday I don't want to respond whatever Shiv Sena or anybody says. My government will prove its credibility. My government will prove what we stand for today and earlier. We have shown that we can maintain law and order in Maharashtra. It's a commitment to protect the people of Maharashtra.
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CNN-IBN: Bal Thackrey has just said you were helpless and that the agitation was successful. Your comments on that, sir?
Ashok Chavan: I'm not here to react what Shah Rukh Khan says or what Shiv Sena says. I have made my stand clear. I'll continue to see that law and order is maintained. Not only this film any other film or drama or normal life will not be disrupted in the state. That is my responsibility and we'll take care of that.
CNN-IBN: What is the message you are sending out to people of Maharashtra?
Ashok Chavan: I can only say that I'm with the people of Maharashtra. I'll only do what is legally right. Any attempts by Shiv Sena will not be tolerated.
CNN-IBN: Politically how do you view how this issue has played out?
Ashok Chavan: I think the verdict has been given long time back in the month of October when elections took place. People have voted us back to power. Shiv Sena, MNS or other political parties are not in power. It is a combined government of Congress and NCP. So these Opposition people have to understand that let us accept the verdict of people. Let the state be governed by the people who are elected.
CNN-IBN: Do you think claim of Marathi 'manoos' by the Sena is hollow?
Ashok Chavan: Yes, the claim is definitely hollow. The Maharashtra 'manoos' is also fed up with Shiv Sena. They also turned in large numbers to see Shah Rukh Khan films on Friday.
CNN-IBN: Coming back to the question- the censorship politics in Maharashtra has not just been limited to Sena and MNS. We all remember the attack on James Laines work. Is your government promising Mumbai and the state - no such politics of censorship, hate or threats will be allowed to go unchallenged?
Ashok Chavan: My message to the people of Maharashtra and Mumbai will be that we are happy that we have reposed confidence in the state machinery. We are happy that we have lived the spirit of Mumbai and Maharashtra. We are happy that that we have come out bold fearless and done what it feels right.
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