The Hindu : National : Uddhav, Raj rift causes ripples in Shiv Sena

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Wednesday, Aug 17, 2005

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National

Uddhav, Raj rift causes ripples in Shiv Sena

Special Correspondent

Manohar Joshi plays peace-maker, wants cousins to talk it out

A file photo of Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray (left) and Raj Thackeray.

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray and other leaders are trying to settle differences between the supremo's son and party executive president Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin and party leader Raj Thackeray.

Mr. Raj Thackeray's statement on Monday that the Shiv Sena had "inactive office bearers at the top" and that needed to be corrected to rebuild the party, is being seen as an outburst against Mr. Uddhav Thackeray and some of his appointees.

The statement comes in the wake of the departure of the former Chief Minister, Narayan Rane, from the party. The former Lok Sabha Speaker, Manohar Joshi, who took the initiative to resolve the differences, met the cousins and the party chief.

Mr. Joshi told reporters that in the Shiv Sena, only Mr. Bal Thackeray's word prevailed and that the cousins should talk it out. Mr. Raj Thackeray was not present at the leaders' meeting that his uncle had called for.

Mr. Raj Thackeray is considered to be close to Mr. Rane. After his expulsion, the Sena leadership felt that the party had weakened considerably in the Konkan region.

Mr. Raj Thackeray visited the Konkan to strengthen the organisation but was followed there by scores of partymen from Mumbai.

They clashed withMr. Rane's supporters and Mr. Raj Thackeray had to wind up his tour.

Mr. Raj Thackeray said on Monday that Mr. Rane's departure had hurt the party.

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