Raj Thackeray in Pune: Claim that the Chief Minister listens to me was also a myth

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray spoke at the inauguration of a fort replica in Pune. Referring to legends in history, he also made political remarks.

Thackeray said BJP leaders used to say that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis listens to him, but that too was only a legend. He added that he would now speak to the Chief Minister and see whether he listens.

Referring to Raigad, he said the complaint is that people are not allowed to roam around there. According to Thackeray, perhaps they fear that someone might be caught and taken to Takmak Tok, which is why staying overnight at Raigad is probably banned.

Thackeray said he remembered Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare today. In his view, Babasaheb should have been here today. He would have stayed here and narrated history, and everyone would have sat in front and listened. Thackeray said he had many occasions to meet Babasaheb and listen to him. He said he learnt from such people how to look at history.

He said no one should ever claim ownership of history today, because it cannot be said what documents may turn up and when.

On guides at forts, Thackeray said it is they who actually need to be educated. According to him, abroad the government decides who will be a guide. Here, anyone gets up and becomes a guide, and then legends are fabricated.

On legends, he said they are widespread because they are interesting, but this often leaves the real history behind. He also said one should not go too deep into history either.

On statues, Thackeray said one should look to history, but merely putting up statues will not do. According to him, statues are put up upon statues here. He said Babasaheb had told him, citing examples of people abroad, that they have no statues because their history is ingrained in their blood. Thackeray said that here, Maharaj has not yet entered the blood.