Three generations of Thackeray may share dais on Dussehra

MUMBAI - If all goes well, then three generations of Maharashtra’s numero uno political family — the Thackerays — may be seen together next Sunday, sharing the stage in the Shiv Sena’s annual Dussehra rally, a party official said Monday.

“Though it is too early to say anything, we hope that Balasaheb Thackeray might make it to the rally, a tradition which he started over four decades ago,” the party official said.

However, the final decision in this regard would be taken by Thackeray himself and usually at the last minute.

Besides Thackeray, his son and party executive president Uddhav Thackery will be there. Aditya (Bal Thackeray’s grandson and Uddhav Thackeray’s son) is likely to attend, making his first major public appearance.

Though party officials declined to comment, it is widely expected that the occasion would be exploited to announce the launch of Yuva Shiv Sena with Aditya, 20, heading the new wing.

In the past couple of years or so, Aditya has been seen taking an active role in youth affairs and indications are clear that he may be groomed by his father and grandfather for a bigger political role.

With the Bombay High Court paving the way for the party to hold its rally at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai, party officials started hectic preparations for the prestigious event scheduled Oct 17 evening.

On an average, over 300,000 people usually attend the rally which has become Bal Thackeray’s personal hallmark over the past more than four decades.

In the past few years, however, he could not keep his annual date in view of his frail health.