Thackeray does not see Raj Sena a threat to Shiv Sena

Mumbai, Mar 11 (UNI) Two days after Raj Thackeray announced formation of new party after breaking away from Shiv Sena nearly four months ago, his uncle and Sena supremo Bal Thackerey today said the party has weathered many such political storms in the past and, therefore, does not care much about the development.

While wishing his nephew well, Mr Thackeray, in an editorial in the party organ 'Saamna,' said only time will tell whether the ''Maharashtra Nav Nirman Sena'' will survive the test of time or not. Various political parties are born with different intentions and ideologies but how many survive is another matter, he added.

''There were 80 'senas' formed in the country, but only Shiv Sena survives. Now it remains to be seen what will happen to Maharashtra Nav Nirman Sena'', said Mr Thackeray.

Borrowing a phrase from BJP leader Pramod Mahajan, Mr Thackeray, tongue-in-cheek, said, ''Buffalo has just come out of water, whether it is ''Gaabhan'' (milk giving), will be seen soon.'' On the tricolour flag of Raj's party comprising of blue, saffron and green, he said it seems the new outfit will try to reach out to Dalits and Muslims in a bid to don the 'secular' label but he reminded his nephew that Shiv Sena had also tried to bring '' Shiv Shakti and Bhim Shakti'' closer but the experiment met with little success. Dalits some how were inclined towards the Congress and hence it turned out to be a futile exercise, he added.

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