Uddhav Thackeray is an Indian politician and the son of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray. He served as the 19th Chief Minister of Maharashtra, forming a coalition — the Maha Vikas Aghadi — with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Uddhav Thackeray entered politics in 2002 when he joined the Shiv Sena’s campaign as the in-charge of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, and he was elected party head in 2013 following Balasaheb Thackeray’s death in 2012.
In 2022, three years after the Maha Vikas Aghadi government to power, the Shiv Sena the split, with senior leader Eknath Shinde rebelling along with several lawmakers. They joined hands with the BJP to form the government in Maharashtra. Today, Uddhav Thackeray’s party is know as the Shiv Sena (UBT). The rebels criticised Uddhav Thackeray partnering with centre-left parties such as the Congress and the NCP, which showed a softer approach to politics, a change from the party’s hardcore pro-Hindu image.
Besides politics, Uddhav Thackeray is a photographer, with two books to his credit and his work displayed in Mumbai’s top art galleries.
Uddhav Thackerry has only inherited the throne of Shiv Sena by virtue of his being the son of Tiger Bal Thackerry. His personality and oratory is very poor compared to what Bala Saheb used to have in his times. But he has maintained SS tradition of meeting all visitors at Matoshree. The SS under his command is now a fading force. What can we expect from this SS when its next president is already presumed to be his son at some time when the need arises. Only wish SS becomes as dynamic as it used to be during Bal Thackerry times. It should always be a part of BJP in fighting the Muslim appeasing forces in the country.