Former Sainiks to Discuss Ways to Unite Warring Uddhav and Raj

With the Shiv Sena celebrating its 44th foundation day today, some former sainiks are reportedly holding a meeting on Sunday to discuss ways to unite party executive president Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray for the ‘Marathi cause’, said media reports.

At the foundation day celebration at Shanmukhananda Hall, ailing Sena chief Bal Thackeray is likely to address partymen, reports said.

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 was quoted as saying.

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.

Thackeray had then appealed to the Maharashtrians to make sure that the party come out winner in the BMC elections due in 2012.

According to reports, 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, reports said.

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, said reports.

“We have received huge support. We will announce our plans, and also seek funds as this will require mobilisation of people,” Valanju was quoted as saying.

(Based on internet reports)