'What has Amitabh done for Maharashtra?'

It was a peaceful, but tense afternoon at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai. We slowly walk our way to Rajgadh, the headquarters of Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) which is just a “stones throw away!” from Shiv Sena Bhavan as the road is jam packed with Raj Thackeray supporters shouting slogans and expressing solidarity.
What sparked off violence on Mumbai streets were just a few words by Raj. Supporters are in no mood to relent. I, along with one other journalist manage to reach finally reach Raj’s cabin.
The man in the eye of the controversy agrees to speak but off camera.
Here are some excerpts from the exclusive chat:
Rohit Chandavarkar: Why did you suddenly lash out against Amitabh Bachchan, you had very good relations with him, his son Abhishek is your friend...
Raj Thackeray: This is not a question of friendship, there is nothing personal. Why did Amitabh Bachchan choose to contest elections from Uttar Pradesh and do all his social work there? What has Amitabh Bachchan done for Maharashtra? If I say he is more loyal to UP, what wrong did I say?"
Rohit Chandavarkar: You are seen as an anti-national when you say these kind of things. You are talking against the spirit of India’s Constitution.
Raj Thackeray: Maharashtrians cannot be silent spectators while Mumbai is flooded with unwanted migrants. If I talk of outsiders ruining Mumbai they say I am anti-national. Tell me, if children from a neighbouring housing society come to your housing society area and create noise and trouble, won't you object to it? You will ask them to get out, you are so possessive of your space, is that being anti-national? What is wrong if we do the same in this city?"
Rohit Chandavarkar: But how can you have such a closed view? This is the country’s financial capital.
Raj Thackeray: The city of Mumbai cannot take migrants anymore, the infrastructure will just collapse one day. We are Mumbaikars we want to save the city. I am not doing this for votes, because in any case Maharashtrians in Mumbai are in minority.
Rohit Chandavarkar: What do you think will be the action taken by government?
Raj Thackeray: I am just speaking out my mind let them (government) take whatever action. If my supporters are agitated, they have a reason for it, you should not blame them.
Rohit Chandavarkar: What about violence against innocent persons on the streets of Mumbai?
Raj Thackeray: I did not ask anybody to start violence, but I still feel strongly about the issues I raised. If I am angry about something I will speak out, that is my right.
Rohit Chandavarkar: There is huge political reaction against what you have said.
Raj Thackeray: Lalu has reacted to my statement. I want to ask has Lalu ever thought of anything outside Bihar? He is using the railways just to give Bihari's jobs. When recruitment for railways happens in Maharashtra, migrants (from the north) get jobs. Have you ever seen a Maharashtrian getting a job in railways?