MUMBAI: Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray used his birthday celebrations to boost the sagging spirits of the Sainiks across the state setting before them a clear agenda, redefining the issues and clearly demarcating the parameters for political rivals.
At the Shanmukhananda Hall in Matunga on Monday, Thackeray used the public forum to reinforce the party’s approach towards the exodus of Sena leaders like nephew Raj and revenue minister Narayan Rane.
He urged the party members to get ready for the big battle ahead and ensure the saffron flags will flutter on the next Mumbai and Thane Municipal Corporation elections. He said the Sena had weathered several storms in the past.
“Generally when there is a storm outside I maintain my cool. But when there is silence outside, I create a storm,” he thundered inviting a loudest round of applause from the Sainiks who raised slogans –Awaaz Kunachan; Shiv Senacha (Voice of Shiv Sena ).
Striking an emotive chord Thackeray said, “When people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh settle outside, they retain their bonds with the native state. Why is Marathi manus shy of taking pride of their language and state. Marathis take pride in English. Learn English but don’t kill your language. Call “aiye” (mother ) and “baba” (father).”
He said the entire polity across the state and country was divided on the caste lines instead of consolidating on Hindutva and Marathi (in Maharashtra).
The BJP was represented at the meeting by general secretary Pramod Mahajan reiterating his party’s support to the parent organisation.
Saying his party had promised full support to Sena, he said it should not be equated to the Bombay Stock Exchange phenomenon which sees the rise and fall every now and then.
