'Marathi manoos' was his focus: VMD Patwardhan

A pal of gloom spread over Nashik, after hearing the news of Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb
Thackeray’s demise.

Shops and establishments downed shutters as mark of respect to the leader. Shiv Sainiks gathered to grieve at Shiv Sena Bhavan at Shalimar in Nashik. Leaders recollected their interface with ‘Saheb’.

Seniors recollected Thackeray’s visits to Nashik, especially to philanthropist and thinker VMD Patwardhan, whom he respected as a philosopher and guide.

Patwardhan’s daughter Sumantai Behere, now in her 90s, recollected that Balasaheb visited her father before Shiv Sena was formed and had discussions with him.

Sumantai told DNA, “Though I was young then I remember Balasaheb coming to our home with his brother and family. Long discussions would take place then. The discussions revolved round protecting the interests of the Marathi manoos in Maharashtra. It was when industrialisation was taking place in Mumbai and jobs were being taken up by non-Maharashtrains. The debates used to be whether the movement should be political or language-based. “