The Shiv Sena has been publicly insistent on its demand that it get the chief minister's post in Maharashtra, stalling government formation for nearly two weeks now. From putting up posters calling for Aaditya Thackeray, scion of the Thackeray clan, to be made chief minister, the Shiv Sena has maintained the public image of being determined to gain the top spot from the BJP, though it has far fewer seats than its alliance partner.
God willingly !!!
— Rahul.N.Kanal (@Iamrahulkanal) November 6, 2019
Waiting to hear these words and see the spectacle again at the same spot where our guiding light left for heavenly aboard and his blessings are with one and all...with the responsibility to serve our beloved Maharashtra!!!
God is Great,Jai Hind Jai Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/9BTzwKvwcd
Aaditya—grandson of Bal Thackeray, the founder of the Shiv Sena—is the first member of the Thackeray clan to fight and win an election.
On Wednesday morning, Rahul N. Kanal, a core committee member of the youth wing of the Shiv Sena, the Yuva Sena, tweeted that Aaditya would take oath as chief minister. Kanal tweeted in Maratha, "In a few days, a voice would resonate in Shivaji Park saying 'I, Aaditya Uddhav Thackeray, grandson of Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray, swear in the name of God'...". Kanal attached a photograph of a young Aaditya with Bal Thackeray.
Kanal wrote a tribute to Bal Thackeray, "God willingly!!! Waiting to hear these words and see the spectacle again at the same spot where our guiding light left for heavenly aboard (sic) and his blessings are with one and all...".
Kanal's hope of a swearing-in at Shivaji Park is replete with symbolism. Shivaji Park has long been associated with the Shiv Sena. It has been the venue of the Shiv Sena's annual Dussehra rally for over 50 years. Bal Thackeray addressed the rally for decades, building the party's image as a rightwing pro-Marathi outfit.
Kanal also referred to Bal Thackeray as a Hindu leader, perhaps in an attempt to send a message to the BJP.
