Uddhav joins Thackeray clan hot excahnge of words

MUMBAI - Even as Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray adopted a conciliatory tone following Shiv Sena president Bal Thackerays no-holds-barred attack on him, the Sena chief’s son Uddhav Thackeray joined issue with cousin Raj Wednesday.

Stating that criticism of Balasaheb would not be tolerated at any cost, Sena executive president Uddhav alleged that cousin Raj has “no faith or respect for his uncle (Thackeray senior)”.

It is the Shiv Sena which has saved Maharashtra and Mumbai. Why is he (Raj) silent on Rahul Gandhis recent speech (against Marathis)? Uddhav demanded at a poll campaign Wednesday evening in Thane.

Earlier Wednesday, Raj denied criticising the Sena chief and said that he had great respect for his uncle (Thackeray senior).

I did not criticise him, but merely asked him a question. But the media blew it up into a Thackeray versus Thackeray battle, he said.

Raj said he was merely responding to certain issues raised by the Sena chief during his Dussehra rally here last week.

He has been saying that I was the one who appointed Uddhav as the executive president of the party. I only asked him if that was the case, please let me know if my decision was right or not, Raj said.

He made it clear that since Thackeray is the Sena chief, all the decisions are taken by him and that he had no intentions of speaking on Uddhavs appointment at the partys Mahabaleshwar conclave in January 2003.

Tuesday evening, Bal Thackeray hit back at Rajs alleged claims and said that he deserved to be spanked on his bottom.

Refuting Rajs claim, Thackeray senior even offered to show the videoclips of the Mahabaleshwar session of the party in which Uddhav was anointed executive president.

He is speaking of dynasty, but he is conveniently forgetting that he is very much a part of the same Thackeray dynasty!, Thackeray said in his scathing statement without naming his nephew but referring to him as “an urchin” and a “snotty”.

He also warned that Rajs statements could create a wave of anger among thousands of Shiv Sainiks.