Click to play videoMumbai: Maharashtra politics is abuzz after Raj Thackeray met his uncle, Shiv Sena leader Balasaheb Thackeray, on Sunday afternoon. It was a rare meeting between them after Raj left the Shiv Sena in December 2005 and formed the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.
Sources tell CNN-IBN that Raj went to the Shiv Sena leader’s residence ‘Matoshree’ to wish him well for his health. Uddhav Thackeray, Balasaheb’s son and Shiv Sena executive president, was present at the 30-minute “family” meeting.
The last time Raj met Balasaheb was on January 23, 2006, the Sena chief’s birthday. "I went to meet him today (Sunday) to return some of his old books I still had with me. We spoke about cartoons (and) old memories," Raj was quoted by PTI as saying after the meeting.
"We spoke on topics other than politics. I am happy at meeting him after such a long gap," Raj said.
CNN-IBN’s Western region political editor Rohit Chandravarkar reports Raj and Balasaheb had a telephonic conversation four days ago. Raj expressed concern about Balasaheb’s health. Balasaheb reportedly said he was concerned about the cases filed against Raj.
Raj broke off from his uncle in 2005 and formed his own party after Uddhav was selected to lead the Shiv Sena. “I sought respect, but all I got was humiliation,” he had said then.
After forming MNS, Raj has almost hijacked Shiv Sena’s demand that Maharashtrians be given preference in jobs in the state. Be it demanding that ‘outsiders’ respect and learn about Marathi culture or attacking North Indian immigrants, Raj has been more successful in portraying himself as an advocate of the Marathi Manoos (Marathi identity).
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