Highlights
- Nihar Thackeray pledged his support to Eknath Shinde
- Nihar is the grandson of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray
- He is likely to launch his political career under the tutelage of Shinde
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's nephew, Nihar Thackeray, on Sunday pledged his support to Eknath Shinde and his coalition government. Nihar Thackeray is the grandson of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
Announcing the news on Twitter Shinde wrote in Marathi, "Nihar Thackeray, grandson of venerable Hindu heart emperor Balasaheb Thackeray and son-in-law of Bindumadhav Thackeray, today announced his support to the coalition government. On this occasion, he was warmly welcomed and wished for his future social and political career."
Nihar is married to Ankita, the daughter of Bharatiya Janata Party leader Harshvardhan Patil, and is likely to launch his political career under the tutelage of Shinde.
Last month, Shinde led a revolt in the Shiv Sena and walked away with nearly 40 party MLAs. On June 30, he took the oath as chief minister with the support of the BJP.
Shiv Sena's deputy leader to join Shinde camp
Earlier, Former Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena's deputy leader Arjun Khotkar will join the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led faction of the party on July 31, a rebel Sena MLA claimed on Friday. Former minister and MLA from Sillod constituency in Aurangabad district, Abdul Sattar claimed.
Khotkar, who is from Jalna district, was a minister in the Devendra Fadnavis-led government that was in power between 2014-19. He was recently promoted to the post of Shiv Sena deputy leader by party president Uddhav Thackeray.
Sattar said, "Khotkar was confused (about joining the rebel camp), but I cleared his confusion. He will now join the Eknath Shinde's camp on July 31 in Sillod. Along with him, the members of the local market committee, and former corporators will also join the Shinde camp.
(With inputs from agencies)
ALSO READ | Eknath Shinde sends birthday greetings to Uddhav Thackeray, here's what Maharashtra CM said
ALSO READ | Eknath Shinde arrives in Delhi; will hold discussion on OBC reservations in Maharashtra
