Shiv Sena: Raj, Uddhav patch up

Shiv Sena leader Raj Thackeray, who demanded the expulsion of 'inactive' members from the organisation, met party chief Bal Thackeray on Wednesday at the latter's residence 'Matoshree' in suburban Bandra.

Raj arrived at Matoshree at 12.30 pm and was closetted with Thackeray, party sources said.

The meeting is significant coming in the wake of reports of Thackeray senior trying to patch up differences between his son, Sena executive president Uddhav, and nephew Raj. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi also met the Sena patriarch at his residence on Tuesday in this regard to discuss the issue.

After the meeting with Raj, the Sena chief is likely to address the media on the current crisis in the party. Raj is expected to take a stand on his outburst two days ago wherein he had demanded removal of 'inactive' members and suggested restructuring of the Shiv Sena.

Besides, the Sena chief would make efforts to bring the junior Thackerays together to strengthen the party, sources said.

Although Raj did not name the 'inactive' people, the remarks were considered to be directed against some persons appointed to party posts by Uddhav, party sources said.

Raj had also indirectly criticised Uddhav's decision to take party workers from Mumbai along with him on his recent visit to Konkan region of Maharashtra in the aftermath of heavy rains which caused large-scale damage in the region.

Raj had said the presence of workers from Mumbai during his visit to Sindhudurg  district, stronghold of expelled Sena leader Narayan Rane, had created tension and he had cut short the visit as he 'did not want Shiv Sainiks fighting among themselves'.