Jolt to Uddhav as loyalist’s son joins Shinde’s Sena

Speaking at a press conference, Bhushan said, “It is Shinde who is taking forward Balasaheb’s thoughts and dreams. I trust him and I have experienced how he works. I have taken the decision after seeing him and being inspired by his functioning.”

His father, however, said Bhushan’s joining the Shinde-led Sena was painful for him but it would not make any difference to the Sena (UBT).

Subhash Desai, 80, was an associate of late Bal Thackeray since the party was founded in the sixties. He is among the old-time Sena leaders who managed to retain their position in the inner circle of Uddhav when the latter took control of the party. A three-time MLA, Subhash has not won an Assembly election since 2009 but was accommodated in the Sena as a minister and held the important industry portfolio in the previous BJP-Sena as well as the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.

“My son has not been active in the Shiv Sena or politics. Therefore, his joining any party will not have any effect on Shiv Sena (UBT). My loyalty to the Shiv Sena, venerable Balasaheb, Uddhav saheb and Matoshree for more than five decades will remain unwavering… I am going to continue my work along with many other Shiv Sainiks till complete justice is served and the Shiv Sena regains its past glory,” he said in a statement.

When asked whether there was any pressure on him as he faced allegations of corruption in Maharashtra Industrial Develop-ment Corporation when his father was a minister, Bhushan said it was his personal choice to join Shinde’s Sena. Asked if he consulted his father before taking the decision, Bhushan said he had discussed it with his father at the time when the rebellion took place.

Reacting to Bhushan’s statement, Sena (UBT) MLA and former minister Aaditya Thackeray said: “Those who want to go to the washing machine to get themselves cleaned, must go. But Subhash Desai is still with us and will not leave us come what may. Bhushan was not with us and he can join whoever he wishes to.”