Raj Thackeray: The tiger cub
Raj's emergence in the political sphere first came to the fore when Sena leader Chhagan Bhujbal quit the party in 1992. Hurt by the move, and that of others who defected, Bal Thackeray began inducting family members to the Sena. Almost overnight, Uddhav and Raj became new youth leaders.
It was a move that upset many senior Sena leaders, and the press also began questioning what it referred to as the clan's 'dynastic ambitions'. To counter the criticism, Bal Thackeray announced that he would resign from the Sena in July that year.
Shiv Sainiks everywhere were shocked. They pleaded with their leader to reconsider. When he eventually did, Bal Thackeray was stronger than ever. His decision to bring in family was never questioned again.
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An interview with Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray