In yet another blow to the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena, the late Bal Thackeray’s former personal assistant (PA) Champa Singh Thapa joined Shinde Camp today. Notably, Thapa had been with Balsaheb Thackeray from 1970 until his death. Moreshwar Raje, another trusted aide of the late Bal Thackeray, also joined the Shinde camp today.
Raje used to attend phone calls at ‘Matoshree’ for Bal Thackeray and had spent at least 35 years in the Thackeray residence. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde welcomed Thapa and Raje by offering them shawls. “On this auspicious occasion of Navaratra, everyone is happy that (pandemic-related) restrictions on festivals had been lifted. There is huge enthusiasm which is the need of the hour,” he said, as per news agency PTI.
Shinde noted that Thapa and Raje decided to join his faction as he represents the ‘real’ Shiv Sena and is taking ahead the teachings of the Sena founder and Hindutva. ”Balasaheb used to do straight talking and used to be blunt. People knew Balasaheb well and hence they did not accept the Sena’s alliance with Congress and NCP under the Maha Vikas Aghadi,” the Maharashtra CM said.
