From L-R: Eknath Shinde, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray.
Credit: PTI Photos
Mumbai: One of Balasaheb Thackeray's close aides Gajanan Kirtikar floated the idea of the Thackeray cousins - Uddhav and Raj - as well as Eknath Shinde coming together and giving shape to the original Shiv Sena.
The 81-year-old Kirtikar is a four-term MLA, two-time MP and a former Maharashtra.
Inspired by late Balasaheb, he joined the Shiv Sena, and later founded Sthaniya Lokadhikar Samiti, a Shiv Sena front which works for the sons-of-the-soil.
“United we stand, divided we fall,” said Kirtikar pointing out that he was ready to take lead and give shape to what is 'akhand' Shiv Sena.
“I have the right to speak about it and take lead,” he said.
Kirtikar’s reactions came in response to questions on the possibility of Uddhav, and Raj coming together in the run up to the local bodies elections in the state.
“In fact, people of Maharashtra want Uddhav and Raj, their sons, Aaditya and Amit, to come together,” said Kirtikar, adding that Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde should also join hands with the Thackeray cousins.
“He (Shinde) left Uddhav to protect the ideals of Balasaheb. He is now with the BJP which leads the Maha Yuti-NDA alliance.
"On the other hand Uddhav is with the Congress and Maha Vikas Aghadi (which leads the I.N.D.I.A. bloc) at least till yesterday,” added Kirtikar.
He said that initially Uddhav was part of the NDA but now part of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc.
“Balasaheb had an immense following,” he stated, adding that he was unhappy when Uddhav and Raj broke up.
“Perhaps he could see what was coming. So there is no question from our side to advise him,” he said when asked whether they had urged Uddhav and Raj to bring together. “Balasaheb himself wanted that,” he said.
Kirtikar welcomed the stand of Uddhav and Raj. “I welcome the move of Uddhav and Raj (to sink differences and come together in the larger interests of Maharashtra)...but for resurrecting a grand Shiv Sena…Shinde needs to come together,” he said.
Asked about the political alliances, he said: “First they need to come together ... .rest will follow suit…let what is needed in Maharashtra first happen.”
He said that BJP wants the Shiv Sena divided, however, added that the national saffron party will always need the help of Shiv Sena.