Aditya Thackeray to take up the reins

With its long journey of 50 years in politics, Shiv Sena is now looking to its young leadership Aditya Thackeray to take the party reins. The party workers expect the Yuva Sena chief to address them on Sunday on the occasion of the golden jubilee of party foundation day to be celebrated at Goregaon.

Although Aditya has addressed election rallies earlier and has spoken at the party programmes, he has never given a speech on the foundation day celebrations. Among the party workers, the day is like a ritual for the party and this time, the completion of 50 years add further excitement.

The sources in the party said that Aditya is likely to make his maiden speech at the foundation day programme on Sunday. “Aditya has emerged as Yuva Sena chief and taken responsibility of the youth wing of the party. He will be also given an important role for the coming BMC polls. He is likely to give his first speech at the rally on Sunday. The schedule is yet to be finalised,” a senior Sena leader said. The party is pitching Aditya for the larger responsibilities in the coming BMC polls.

The party, known for its sons of soil and pro-Hindutva agendas, is now trying to attract youth. Once aggressive against popular Valentine’s Day, the party has softened its stand on the issue, after Aditya entered politics. The party sources said that the Sena is changing with the changing times.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Nilam Gorhe said that the party is now in the government and hence its functioning style has changed a little. “We are acting as a medium between the government and the public. We are not only addressing the local problems, but also working on national issues. The party has evolved in the last 50 years but with an aim to work for the people,” she said.

The party has planned a grand show for the foundation day where more than thousands Shiv Sainiks are expected to participate.