If the buzz in the Sena is any indication, Raj Thackeray will be anointed the party's second executive president
MUMBAI: Shiv Sena leader Raj Thackeray may have a new assignment. If the buzz in the Sena is any indication, he will be anointed the party's second executive president, at par with Uddhav Thackeray. While Uddhav will look after the party's affairs in urban areas, Raj will involve himself with the rural areas of Maharashtra.
Senior party leaders said this is the only formula that can douse the succession struggle raging in the Sena.
Though the idea was mooted earlier, it was kept on the back burner. Now that Raj has raised the banner of rebellion yet again, the announcement may just be a matter of time.
Sena chief Bal Thackeray, 79, is fed up with the frequent eruptions between his son and nephew and so has decided to demarcate their functions clearly, which is an acknowledgement of the power tussle in the Sena.
The rank and file of the Sena is keen that the duo buries the hatchet and sets to work in the larger interests of the party.
The bitter feud between the cousins has percolated to the grassroots and there have even been altercations between the two groups of supporters. According to party observers it is a matter of time before these skirmishes turn violent. If the feud is allowed to continue, the Sena will not only be stripped of its strength but may also see an exodus to other political parties.
Talk of Raj's possible defection to the NCP has already confused Sainiks. The belief in the party is that the organisational skills of Uddhav and the oratorical skills and aggression of Raj will be a winning combination.
Sena leader Pramod Navalkar said, "Some decision was taken yesterday, but we don’t know what it is. We will abide by any decision taken by Balasaheb." But sources said those close to Uddhav may not accept the new appointment so easily.
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