Balasaheb greatly missed today: Fadnavis on Sena anniversary

Mumbai, Jun 19: Amidst a spar between the ruling alliance partners in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today greeted Uddhav Thackeray on Shiv Sena's 50th anniversary, even as he "greatly missed" party founder late Balasaheb Thackeray's guidance.

"Shiv Sena completes 50 years today. My heartfelt greetings to party chief Uddhav Thackeray and the party workers," Fadnavis said on micro-blogging site Twitter.

"Late party supremo Balasaheb Thackeray's guidance has always proved valuable. He is greatly missed today!," he said in another tweet.

Talking about the CM's tweets, a BJP leader said Fadnavis' statement is an indication that had Balasaheb been alive, the 25-year-old alliance between both parties would not have broken (ahead of the 2014 Maharashtra Assembly polls) and the Sena would not have constantly targeted the BJP on each and every issue, which it is seen doing today.

"Had Balasaheb been alive today, he would not have let the two decades year old alliance break. There had always been ups and downs in our relations, but they were resolved amicably. But lately, the taunts and criticism have increased way beyond the permissible limits!," the leader said.

"The CM rightly said that Balasaheb is sorely missed today," he added. The Sena is hosting a grand event this evening at NSE ground in Goregaon East showcasing its 50 years of political journey that has been shaped by the contribution of Balasaheb Thackeray and his family.

However, in an apparent snub to BJP ahead of the 2017 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, Sena has not invited its ally for the event. The party's mega show is being seen as sounding of poll bugle for the prestigious BMC elections.

PTI