Uddhav says no to Sena pramukh title
Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray has declined to accept the position of “Shiv Sena pramukh” (supremo), saying his late father Bal Thackeray cannot be replaced from the post.
“There will not be another Sena pramukh. Balasaheb will always be Shiv Sena pramukh and Hinduhriday samrat,” he said in his interview published in Sunday’s edition of his party mouthpiece Saamana. This is his first interview after Bal Thackeray’s death.
Asked about the controversy over a memorial for Bal Thackeray at Shivaji Park, Uddhav said he did not wish to involve himself in it. “The controversy is unwarranted,” he noted.
Mr Uddhav said he is still finding it difficult to believe that the Sena patriarch is no more. “But, I have to start afresh. Whenever I am alone, I am overwhelmed with memories, feel he is still around and want to meet him. Countless Shiv Sainiks also feel the same,” he said.
Mr Uddhav further vowed to continue fighting for the marathi manoos and hindutvavaad. “Shiv Sena will fulfil Balasaheb’s dream of coming to power in Maharashtra and transforming it into a progressive and strong state,” he said, adding that he will work tirelessly to achieve the purpose.
To a question on the future direction of the party, Uddhav said it will be on the path laid down by Balasaheb. “We will fight for the rights of the sons of the soil, Marathi asmita, Mumbai, Hindutva and against Bangladeshi migrants and Islamic fundamentalism,” he added.
Mr Uddhav is undertaking a short tour of the state from December 3 to thank people for their love and support to him after the Sena chief passed away. “I just want to stand before them with my hands folded in namaskar,” he said. He added that he will also undertake an extensive tour of the state from January-February next year.
Mr Uddhav said his father’s health started deteriorating after his (Uddhav’s) second angioplasty procedure on November 4. Bal Thackeray passed away on November 17.
Post new comment