The theories doing the rounds are: in the backdrop of the Sena and the MNS joining hands for local body elections in Ambernath, Raj’s praise of Uddhav could be a step to close ranks for the 2012 BMC elections.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray on Thursday took everybody by surprise by describing estranged cousin and Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray as a great photographer.
“I have seen the works of several photographers. Even in my house, there was a photographer. What I mean is that there is a photographer. What I want to say is Uddhav Thackeray is a great photographer,” Raj said during an afternoon visit to the NCPA.
Does this indicate a change of heart? Political observers caution:
“Don’t interpret much as things are still unclear. The municipality polls are still away (2012). Wait and watch.”
The theories doing the rounds are: in the backdrop of the Sena and the MNS joining hands for local body elections in Ambernath, Raj’s praise of Uddhav could be a step to close ranks for the 2012 BMC elections; after criticising Uddhav’s blood donation campaign, by praising him, Raj is trying to mollify angry Sainiks and people at large; Raj’s comment has double meaning — he is trying to imply that Uddhav is a good photographer, not a good politician.
Uddhav, on vacation in the US, refused to comment. A senior Sena leader said: “We have to ascertain what exactly is the purpose of Raj’s statement.”
Another leader said: “Raj’s bitterness against Uddhav is an open secret. But if he has praised him, there is some hidden agenda.”
In the MNS, while spokesperson Nitin Sardesai said “I am not aware of what happened. I don’t know anything”, a senior leader said, “Let us not forget that Raj and Uddhav are related by blood. Politically they may be heading separate outfits, but nobody can deny their relationship. So don’t read much into the comment.”
A section of the Sena said: “Raj is cleverly using such a catchphrase to send positive feelers to the Sena.”
A political observer said Raj’s praise means the MNS is keeping its options open for the BMC polls, and the Congress and the NCP cannot take its support for granted.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}