THANE: People from states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand are joining the Shiv Sena and this reflects the resonance of Bal Thackeray’s ideology, party leader and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde said on Saturday.
A large number of people joined the party at an event held at Anand Ashram, the Shiv Sena headquarters in Thane. “The Shiv Sena’s appeal is growing beyond Maharashtra. Activists from states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and districts like Niphad, Peth, Dindori-Nashik, Kalyan, Mumbai and Nagpur are joining the party. This reflects the resonance of Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology,” Shinde told reporters.
“The Shiv Sena’s mission to spread and advocate the thoughts of Balasaheb Thackeray is attracting people from across the country. It is also due to the party’s people-centric and welfare-driven governance over the last two and a half years (under his leadership)”. he added.
Replying to a question, he said the Shiv Sena fully supports BJP candidates in Delhi to avoid division of Hindutva votes. “Our activists are actively working to ensure the success of the NDA,” he added. Elections to the 70-member Delhi Assembly will be held on February 5 and the results will be announced on February 8. The BJP, out of power in Delhi since 1998, has been making all-out efforts to dethrone the AAP. which has been ruling since 2015. “Shiv Sena is not a party of ‘Malik’ (masters) and ‘Naukar’ (servants). It is a party dedicated to the welfare of the common man,” he said.