Maharashtra: Smita and Nihar Thackeray Render Support To Eknath Shinde, Term Him ‘A Real Shiv Sainik’
Mumbai, 4th July 2022: Recently, Bal Thackeray’s daughter-in-law, Smita Thackeray, and grandson, Nihar Thackeray, expressed support for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Both called it a courtesy meeting and termed Shinde a real Shiv Sainik.
Following the MLAs in Shiv Sena, some members of the Thackeray family seem to have established confidence in Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Lately, some members of the Thackeray family have turned to Shinde. Shinde, too, has been consistently stating that the rebellion was not against the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray, but rather to carry forward the principles of the late founder.
Raj Thackeray, Smita Thackeray, and several other members have been feeling isolated since Balasaheb handed over the reins to his son Uddhav, the Indian Express reported. At the same time, Uddhav has also clarified his succession, pointing towards Aditya.
About the family, Bindu Madhav is the youngest of Balasaheb’s three sons, after Jaydev. Bindu Madhav died in a road accident. Jaydev stays away from politics. Smita is Jaydev’s second wife. However, the two have now parted ways. Here, Nihar is the son of Bindu Madhav, who is married to the daughter of Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Harshvardhan Patil. It is reported that between 1995 and 2004, Smita and Raj were counted as possible successors of Balasaheb. Even after separating from Jaydev, Smita continued living in Matoshree. She was considered a very powerful member of the Shiv Sena-BJP government between 1995-99. Raj also decided to go his separate way in 2005 to form Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. It is said, after the death of Balasaheb in 2012, these leaders calmed down.
Smita said, when meeting the Thackeray family member, “Eknath Shinde is an old Shiv Sainik. I have come here to congratulate him. I have known him and his work for years, and it was a courtesy meeting.” Meanwhile, Nihar indicated that he has no plans to enter the political field, but believes Shinde will take Balasaheb’s words forward.
