The Hindu : National : Only Sena chief can resolve the issue: Manohar Joshi

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Sunday, Nov 27, 2005

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National

Only Sena chief can resolve the issue: Manohar Joshi

Sena reacts to the squabble between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray

Uddhav Thackeray.

MUMBAI: In its first official reaction to the squabble between the Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, the Shiv Sena on Saturday said the issue could be resolved only by party supremo Bal Thackeray.

Senior Sena leader Manohar Joshi, emerging from a high-level party meeting here, said discussions would be held with both Uddhav and Raj to find a solution.

Raj had expressed unhappiness over the manner in which the byelections to the Malvan Assembly seat and the Mumbai North-West Lok Sabha seat were handled by Uddhav.

The Sena suffered a humiliating defeat in both constituencies. In a letter to the Sena chief, Raj reportedly demanded that Uddhav own responsibility for the debacle.

Asked why the Sena had not reacted to the issue so far, Mr. Joshi said Raj was away in Nashik and the party leadership was waiting for his return. On the contents of Raj's letter, he said: "Everyone knows it."

A senior party leader said: "Raj has raked up this issue [Uddav's style of functioning] at least thrice in the past, but every time he was convinced only by the Sena chief."

"I am not responsible"

Raj Thackeray.

Uddhav, who is the Sena executive president, said here on Saturday that "he was not responsible for the controversy." He also brushed aside any impact the issue would have on the party. "There is no uncertainty in the party," he claimed.

Raj refused to answer queries of the media during his visit to Nashik and Shirdi. However, sources close to him said he was likely to address a press conference on his return to Mumbai on Sunday.

The Congress has opened its door to Raj. "Only condition is that Raj should shun Sena ideology and accept Sonia Gandhi's leadership. We are keeping the door open to Raj. It is now up to him to state whether he wishes to join the Congress and what are his expectations," party spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam told reporters here.

Leaders in touch with Raj

Mr. Nirupam said some Congress leaders were in touch with Raj. "I know what Raj must be going through now and we want to tell him that he should not feel lonely. The Congress party is with him." — PTI

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