Q. How do you look at the developments in Maharashtra?
A. We have seen this kind of situation in the past with the Shiv Sena. And we have also seen what was the result. This time, the situation is a little different. In the past, when I was Congress chief minister, Chhagan Bhujbal joined us with 19 MLAs. We had to give them full protection for six months. Ultimately, only one of them could win the elections again in 1995. Even Bhujbal lost. My observation is that people do not like this kind of mass exodus. This is defection.
Q. The Shiv Sena clearly does not have the numbers right now.
A. It is not a question of the Shiv Sena alone, this is a three-party government of the Shiv Sena, the NCP and the Congress. As of now, it looks like there are 38 or 39 MLAs from the Shiv Sena who have gone to the other side. Ultimately, it is a coalition government. It will affect all three parties. We have to admit that if the same situation continues, the results will not be favourable for us. But there is also the possibility that some MLAs are in touch with the Shiv Sena leadership and with some of us. They said it was difficult for them to leave right now as they were surrounded by the police and BJP workers. So unless and until they reach here (Mumbai), it will be difficult for us to discuss things with them. We are confident that the moment they come here, they will tell us that they were taken away forcibly and that they are with the Shiv Sena.
Q. Do you think the BJP is behind all this?
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