Uddhav asks detractors to leave party,Joshi apologises

Shiv Sena leaders were at Thackerays residence to discuss the rumblings within the party.

Miffed over questions about his leadership style being thrown up time and again,Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray lashed out against his detractors and said those unhappy were free to leave the party. All those who are not happy with my leadership are free to leave the party. I do not want betrayers, Uddhav Thackeray said on Friday. Thackerays outburst comes in the backdrop of constant criticism of his leadership by party veterans who think that they are being sidelined.

The first to fire a salvo was former CM Manohar Joshi,who had questioned Thackerays style of functioning in October. After indications that he would not be given a ticket for the Lok Sabha elections,Joshi had said that Uddhav had not done enough to get the memorial made. Why cant the Sena build a Thackeray memorial at Shivaji Park? Just imagine if this was the case with Prabodhankar Thackeray,Bal Thackerays father8230;would he have kept quiet, Joshi had said. Joshi was subsequently booed off stage by angry Shiv Sainiks during the partys annual Dussehra rally. Subsequently,former Sena MP Mohan Rawle had also complained that he was being sidelined in the party and the Sena leadership had no time for old Sainiks. He met MNS chief Raj Thackeary at his residence sparking speculation that he would join the MNS.

After constant attacks by Sena old timers,Thackerays outburst is seen as a attempt to stamp his authority on the party. His statement did have the desired effect with Manohar Joshi issuing a public apology for his statement and suggesting that it was time to bury the hatchet.

I will always obey and follow the directions of the Shiv Sena president. I publicly apologise if any of my statements has unknowingly caused disrespect to the party president. I believe that this would draw the curtains on this controversy, Joshi said.

Meanwhile,senior Shiv Sena leaders were at Thackerays residence to discuss the rumblings within the party. Joshi was also present where he put forth his side of the story in front of senior party leaders,including Uddhav.