Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Tackeray went through a similar emotive phase Wednesday when his supporter from Ahmadnagar Paresh Purohit gifted him a portrait purportedly sketched in his own blood.
How would you feel if someone gifted you a portrait of yourself drawn with his own blood? Perhaps a mixture of shock, surprise, love, admiration, gratitude and many other emotions.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Tackeray went through a similar emotive phase Wednesday when his supporter from Ahmadnagar Paresh Purohit gifted him a portrait purportedly sketched in his own blood.
This was not the only interesting gift Thackeray received on his 49th birthday. From hunter to swords and from cartoons to spectacles, MNS office bearers supporters piled up at Krishna Kunj, Raj's residence at Dadar.
Hundreds visited the leader to wish him a long life. In an orange kurta and white pyjamas, Thackeray, whose aggression is believed to be his biggest asset, appeared unusually calm while accepting wishes from his supporters and party leaders who flocked from across the state from early in the morning.
Raj, who people know as a late riser, was all ready on his birthday by 10 am. No speech, only folded hands. That too for four hours amid a huge crowd.
"It was twice as big as compared to the previous year. We weren't expecting such a crowd, but Saheb didn't allow anyone to leave without peda and water," said his aides, who were amused with the number of visitors this year. In fact, this year, Thackeray had decided not to hold a celebration at all, perhaps because of his ailing son. Tuesday, he changed his mind considering the sentiments of supporters, which are anyway declining.
Any resolution on this birthday? "No" smiles Thackeray, responding to DNA. He climbed down again to meet this reporter and some more supporters who dropped by after his birthday celebration was officially over. "This has never happened," admitted his associates who have been working with him for many years, pointing out towards mellowing down of the person known for his short and sharp jibes, fiery speeches and tongue in cheek responses in TV interviews so far.
That the firebrand champion of Marathi manoos, rejected by the community and polity long back, still enjoys some popularity gives his staunch followers a much-needed dose of pride.
"Blessings are not enough," say his critics and supporters, "Thackeray scion needs a miracle to change his fate and also of his 11-year-old startup. At present, he is left with only a cameo role in Maharashtra politics," said an observer pointing out MNS's role in his agitation against Pakistani artists.
His party performed badly in the Assembly (just one seat) and BMC elections (7 seats). The MNS lost Nashik corporation, which it had ruled. He is known for changing his stand (compromise over Pak actors issue) and not taking up any issue till its logical solution (toll tax issue).
Associates blame Raj for the sorry situation. Not only in remaining aloof without maintaining regular contact with party cadres, they also point to his failure to engage workers in issue-based political activity that could have expanded the outfit.
"He is like Rahul Gandhi of Maharashtra. Both the scions live a lavish life, unable to work hard, refuse to cope with the changing pace of Indian politics, don't meet with the cadre and missing from the scene most of the time," said a political analyst.
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