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Shiv Sena still needs Bal Thackeray to fight its battles

Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray may have handed over the remote to son Uddhav but he still remains the organisation’s best bet when it comes to fighting their battles.

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Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray may have handed over the remote to son Uddhav but he still remains the organisation’s best bet when it comes to fighting their battles.

The organisation has often dragged him to bail them out whenever they are caught in a political cross-fire, which questions Uddhav’s ability to wield the remote control? Why does the Sena require Uncle Thackeray to counter nephew Raj on the ‘Marathi manoos’ plank?

Will Thackeray shield Uddhav through the revolt raised by Raj against Sena in the 2009 polls? What about the simmering discontent within the family as daughter-in-law Smita is vying for mainstream politics?

In hushed tones, the Sena top brass admits, “Only Balasaheb can rein in the parallel power centres within the party and parivar. Whether it is Uddhav versus Raj in the past, or Uddhav versus Smita in the future.”

At the outset, everybody in the organisation likes to believe that Uddhav will be able to ward off any challenge as he has the blessings of Thackeray and the support of sainiks.

However, Smita’s well-researched article in Saamana on agriculture has become a talking point not only in the Sena but even BJP, Congress and NCP. Uddhav has been painstakingly cultivating an image of a leader who is fighting for the farmers.

The point discussed is whether the two will work together for a common cause or against each other. The delay in arresting Raj by Congress and NCP was meant to polarise the Marathi votes, which was reined in by Thackeray thia week.

The BJP also admits it will have to remain under Thackeray’s shadow to enhance their own image.

However, on MNS agitation, the Sena is giving an impression that it was a tactical decision taken by Uddhav not to engage with cousin Raj over ‘sons of the soil’ subject. Not surprisingly, he had decided to let his father do the hard talk on bhoomi putra through Saamana.

Says Shiv Sena (MP) Sanjay Raut, “It’s pointless to debate on who is the real custodian of Marathi manoos. Everybody knows that Sena works for the welfare of the Marathi manoos.”

Moreover, the sainiks have already got the message when Uddhav(ji) in a single remark said, “People know who is asli and nakli.”

On his part, Uddhav has often stated, “Only when there are crucial issues confronting the organisation, Thackeray senior’s guidance is required.”              k_shubhangi@dnaindia.net

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