Why Uddhav still needs Bal Thackeray

Four years have passed but Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray still cannot move ahead without taking his father, the late Bal Thackeray’s name for his political stance. He recalled the Shiv Sena founder on his fourth death anniversary on November 17 while describing the common people’s worries over exchanging their currency notes after the demonetisation.

“There are some who have made people bankrupt and are linking it to patriotism. The public sentiment is that Balasaheb should have been alive to silence such wagging tongues and voice the hardships of common man,” stated an editorial in Shiv Sena mouthpiece, Saamna, attributed to Uddhav.

Similarly, old pictures showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when he was chief minister of Gujarat, bowing before Thackeray, resurfaced on social media.

It has become an annual ritual for the Shiv Sena now. Whenever the party wants to highlight its relevance, it posts pictures Modi bowing in front of Thackeray. They caption them with nice poetic words such as, "Balasaheb was the only Tiger," "look who is more powerful..." and so on.

With his aggression, wit and strong command over the party workers, Bal Thackeray used to destroy his opponents. There are several areas where Uddhav can take a leaf out of Thackeray's book:

Take BJP head on

Uddhav has been a consistent critic of Modi and his policies. However, the PM has not taken cognizance of his views on a single occasion. Uddhav needs Thackeray's charisma to make the BJP leaders to listen to what he is saying. At present, no one from the BJP’s central leadership pays attention to Uddhav’s suggestions and grievances.

Control the government:

Though the Shiv Sena is a partner in Maharashtra’s government, there is no imprint of the party on the government’s functioning. Barring one or two exceptions, Shiv Sena ministers have developed close relations with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. They take the CM’s side whenever there is discussion in Shiv Sena over issues related to governance.

Property dispute with sibling:

Uddhav’s elder brother, Jaidev has dragged him to the Bombay High Court challenging Bal Thackeray’s will in which he has deprived Jaidev of any share in the family’s properties. Uddhav tried an out of court settlement with his sibling but failed.

Marathi votes:

Uddhav is trying to connect with non-Marathi, non-Hindu voters in Mumbai. Recently, a Shiv Sena MLA Sada Sarvankar put up boards in Urdu in Muslim areas to make people aware of his work. However, party workers were afraid that he might lose backing of traditional Marathi voters because of such incidents.

Clarity in thoughts:

First, Uddhav said Modi should revoke demonetisation. Then he said he is against black money but common people should not be harassed.

Had Bal Thackeray been alive today, he would have taken a clear stand on the issue. Uddhav is sceptical whether he would get any political mileage out of this exercise. Thackeray was quite bold in announcing that he did not believe in the banking system. Uddhav cannot dare to say something like this.

Bizarre political moves:

Bal Thackeray would certainly not have allowed Shiv Sena MPs join a protest march led by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee against demonetisation as she had sought support from the Left parties too. Uddhav made Shiv Sena look like a "parasite party" which cannot decide its own policies.

Getting new friends:

The BJP has four other small political parties – RPI, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, Shiv Sangram and Jan Surajya Party – on its side at present. The Shiv Sena, however, does not have support from anyone.

Ironically, BJP’s junior partners were close to Shiv Sena when Balasaheb was alive. Uddhav let them slip into the BJP’s hands because he felt they were asking too much of a political share.

Countering corruption charges:

The power in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) works as oxygen for Shiv Sena. Uddhav has not been able to counter the charges of corruption in the civic body, by opponents as well as the BJP. He lacks the aggression to take on his opponents.

Uddhav likes to say that people should support him because he is “Balasaheb’s son”. He will get tremendous support the day he starts acting and working as Thackeray’s son in all aspects.

Also read: When Bal Thackeray batted for Dawood. Why did you not cry then?