Mumbai: As the Shiv Sena celebrates its 44th foundation day on Saturday, some senior former Sainiks are meeting on Sunday to discuss how to unite party executive president Uddav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray for the “Marathi cause”, reports The Indian Express.
Ailing Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, who has moved centrestage in the party in the past few months, is likely to address partymen at the foundation day celebrations, to be held at Shanmukhananda Hall on Saturday. The Sena was established on June 19, 1966. “Every year, Balasaheb makes it a point to address party activists who come from across the state. We are sure he will come this year too,” a senior party leader said.
The last public appearance of Thackeray was on May 1, at the Bandra-Kurla Complex grounds for the 50th anniversary fete of the formation of the state. He had then appealed to the Maharashtrians to ensure the party's win in the BMC elections due in 2012.
Some former Sainiks, who wanted the warring Thackeray cousins to join forces, have organised a public meeting in the Sena stronghold of Parel on Sunday. Mumbai businessman and Sena supporter Satish Valanju is the chief of the group of seven like-minded “friends” who plan a public campaign for bringing the two leaders together.
Having received hundreds of calls and e-mails from across the globe, Valanju and his friends are expected to announce their future plans at the meeting. “We have received huge support. We will announce our plans, and also seek funds as this will require mobilisation of people,” Valanju said.
