Shiv Sena's strong case made Jaidev Thackeray withdraw his claim

Senior lawyer and Thackeray family's confidante Anil Parab has revealed to DNA as to what happened behind the scenes that led to Shiv Sena chief late Bal Thackeray's estranged son Jaidev to withdraw the probate and in turn his claim over his late father's property. It is notable that Jaidev had objected and had filed the petition against his brother Uddhav claiming that he was excluded from the will as the will was allegedly manipulated keeping the late Sena chief in dark.

Parab informed that following Jaidev's withdrawal now the probate will be executed on November 28. ''Shiv Sena supremo Bal thackeray had prepared his will after thorough legal scrutiny. He had appointed me as its executor. Since the beginning party president Uddhav Thackeray and myself were quite clear that we were on a strong footing while the petitioner had a weak case,'' said Parab. Parab said that party president Uddhav Thackeray had turned down any possibility of talks with the petitioner and decided to pursue the legal battle. "Uddhav was very clear that due diligence was followed about carefully drafting the will and proper legal checks and balances were followed. He added that six years had passed and the petitioner failed to substantiate his charges and was left with no other option.

Uddhav has informed the court that the properties and bank deposits willed by his father were valued at Rs 14.85 crore. However, Jaidev has contended that the Matoshree bungalow in Bandra was alone worth Rs 40 crore. Jaidev also wanted that the Shiv Sena Bhawan and party mouthpiece Saamna office to be added to the list of family properties.

The Thackerays had indulged into war over Shiv Sena supremo's legacy. First cousins Raj vs Uddhav fought over Bal Thackeray's political legacy and now its Thackeray's own offspring locked in an ugly spat over property. However, today's verdict comes as a relief to Shivsena President Udhav Thackeray atleast on the political front.