Thackeray Says He has Remote Control of Politics
At his 84th birthday today, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has said that he remains at the helm of the saffron party’s affairs, reported PTI.
“I have the remote control of politics and the remote control will continue to remain with me,” Thackeray was quoted as saying in an editorial in party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’.
Thackeray, who had announced his retirement from active politics five years ago, making way for son Uddhav to take over reins of the party, was quoted as saying: “The sapling (Sena) I planted 45 years ago has grown into a vine, which reached the power centre in Delhi.”
He stressed that the ‘Marathi manoos’ was the centre of ‘our thoughts and will remain so’.
In a letter to Shiv Sainiks published in Saamana, he was quoted as saying, “I don’t have the energy I had earlier due to old age. I have just come back from illness, so won’t be able to meet you at Matoshree….but I am close to you from my heart. You have Uddhav. He will greet you at Matoshree.”
It may be mentioned that Matoshree is Thackeray’s residence in suburban Bandra and Sena workers throng his house on his birthday every year.
Film actor Nana Patekar described Thackeray as a ‘steel personality’ in an article in the newspaper.
“He calls me regularly. I have not seen such a person who is so sentimental despite being in politics,” the actor was quoted as saying.
