Mumbai, January 23: Five years ago, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray announced his retirement from active politics, making way for son Uddhav to take over the reins. Today, celebrating his 83rd birthday, he is back again at the helm.
When Thackeray confined himself in his home — Matoshree at Bandra — and Uddhav started running the show, a slide began in the Sena.
First, senior leader Narayan Rane rebelled and left for the Congress. Then Thackeray’s nephew, Raj, broke away and formed the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena [MNS].
Rane loyalists in the party defected to the Congress. Raj’s MNS hijacked the Marathi Manoos agenda and ate intoSena’s vote bank. All this has culminated in the party playing second fiddle toopposition partner BJP in the assembly.
With the Sena tottering at the brink, back came Thackeray. His health having improved following an angioplasty in June, he has again started looking into the day-to-day affairs of the party. Sainiks believe that his return has re-energised the party, and it is just a matter of time for the Sena to regain its lost glory.
The Thackeray effect was felt in the mayoral elections last month. He played a crucial role in keeping Sena corporators united. “Every party has to face ups and downs. Like the phoenix, we will rise from the ashes and grab power once again,” Thackeray has reportedly told the Sena MLAs.
Uddhav knows he needs his father to weather the storm. He has announced that Thackeray will be addressing party officials every fortnight at the Sena Bhavan.
“The Sainiks had been a fatigued lot after the dismal showing in the assembly polls. Balasaheb’s return has refuelled them. His mere presence matters a lot,” Sena MP Anand Paranjpe said.
–Agencies–