The youngest Thackeray, Aditya, is on a mission to change the image of the Shiv Sena among the youth. In the process, the Yuva Sena chief might just ruffle a few feathers as he plans to promote the very cultural activities against which the Shiv Sena had once taken a tough stand.
While Aditya was non-committal about the student activities he would be promoting, it is learnt that the University of Mumbai would soon see the celebration of cultural events like Friendship Day, Saree Day, and even Valentine’s Day, under the aegis of the Yuva Sena. “I am definitely looking to change and improve the image of the party, but it is too early to commit about the same. We may take up these activities next year. We are currently working on addressing youth issues and trying to integrate academics with cultural activities,” Aditya Thackeray said.
The Yuva Sena chief also said he is planning to take college activities to the University campus so that students benefit academically. Experts say the move is a ploy by Aditya Thackeray to woo back youngsters who deserted the party after his uncle, Mr Raj Thackeray, floated the MNS in 2006.
In fact, ever since Aditya was first named Yuva Sena chief in 2010, the fledging youth body of the Shiv Sena has managed to win eight seats in the University senate elections. On Friday, Aniket Pendse, a former MNVS activist who recently joined the Yuva Sena, won the post of general secretary unopposed.