MNS tries to snatch 'Marathi Manoos' card from Sena

Mumbai, Feb 13 (UNI) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), an outfit of former Shiv Sainiks led by Raj Thackeray, estranged nephew of Sena Chief Bal Thackeray, has succeeded in making a dent in the bastion of the party by raising issue of migrant north Indians.

Shiv Sena, which was formed in 1966 with view to raise the voice of 'Marathi manoos', was losing its grip as their chief was ageing and doubts were raised about the leadership qualities of his son Uddhav.

Raj watched his uncle's growth in politics since his childhood and was simply following his footsteps.

The Shiv Sainiks had launched an agitation against South Indians and there were incidents of attacks on their eateries and shops in the initial days of Sena.

Raj, more or less followed the same route, but this time targeted north Indians whose population is on the rise in the city.

Raj's aggression forced Shiv Sena to raise the banner of 'Marathi manoos' and Uddhav, son of Bal Thackeray, also joined the bandwagon demanding jobs for Marathi people at the project of Mumbai international airport.

Shiv Sainiks went on to blacken the name-plates of GVK, who was given the contract to develop the airport.

However, this did not stop here as several Shiv Sainiks went on a rampage at Ahmednagar damaging the boards of the shops which were written in south Indian language. The Sena also launched an agitation at the Income tax office demanding jobs for Marathi people. However, it was Raj, who continued to dominate the news headlines for 11 days since he made his first statement against the north Indians at a function in Vikhroli and ultimately was arrested.

According to political observers, Raj has managed to attract a chunk of Marathi voters, who were loyal to Shiv Sena, to his party due to his militant approach.

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