Speaking at the Idea Exchange organised by Loksatta, the Marathi daily of The Indian Express Group, Thackeray broached his pet topic of the conflict between migrants and locals and asked all political parties to field only Marathi candidates in Mumbai.

Asked if the increasing population of non-Maharashtrians in Mumbai would influence the selection of candidates by MNS, Thackeray said he would be fielding only Marathi candidates. “Even Marathi people are here and the question is to decide on fielding Marathi candidates by everyone. Are these non-Marathi people not going to vote because there is no non-Marathi candidate? They are going to vote. Why are you giving a candidate based on their convenience? Let everyone field a Marathi candidate,” said Thackeray.

Analysing the work done by corporators elected in 2007, Thackeray said the idea to hold examinations for aspirants had come after reviewing their work and he would ensure that future candidates attend general body meetings.

“I will not talk about all the corporators. In 2007, the numbers were very small and not many were allowed to speak. In Pune, we raised several issues. In Nashik, four to five corporators of the 12 did good work. In Mumbai, not all seven, but two or three were good,” he said. Speaking about the growth of his party, Thackeray said he wanted to remain a “regional force” and had “no aspirations of becoming a national force”.

He added that as the election campaign picks up, he would target any ruling party and not just Shiv Sena. He said there is no fight between him and Sena executive president and cousin Uddhav and he doesn’t have any ambition to “wipe off the other”.

He pledged his loyalty to uncle and Sena chief Bal Thackeray by promising that he would try to build Mumbai of Bal Thackeray’s dreams and expressed confidence that Thackeray Senior would be happy.

Ahead of the Vidhan Sabha elections in 2009, Raj Thackeray had promised to present a blueprint of development of the state which is yet to happen. He said: “The blueprint will be ready by 2014. If I am given absolute power, I will work ruthlessly even if I have to face abuses. The results will be seen after the work is completed.”

Constantly attacked for imitating his uncle, Raj said there is a difference between imitation and inheriting something.