LEAGUE OF ADVISORS

An introvert, Uddhav Thackeray trusts very few people outside his family members. However, those close to him are powerful enough to run the show

SHARAD PAWAR, NCP chief

The septuagenarian leader has been Thackeray’s main guiding force on political issues. Pawar’s influence on the government is felt in almost every decision, from appointing secretaries to various departments to policy decisions like scrapping pension to the Emergency warriors. Pawar is also not shy of expressing his displeasure with Thackeray at times

AADITYA THACKERAY, Son and environment minister

Aaditya has been Thackeray’s eyes and ears and is present at all important government and political meetings. It was Aaditya’s initiative to appoint an agency, owned by his friend, to run Thackeray’s personal and official Twitter account. Aaditya’s policies on environment and tourism have been the government’s showcase efforts

SANJAY RAUT, MP, spokesperson

Sanjay Raut articulates Thackeray’s thoughts through the Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna. He also acts as a bridge between Thackeray and Pawar. One of the few people in the Sena who can call Thackeray by his first name, Raut has the authority to issue statements on behalf of the party chief

AJOY MEHTA, Principal advisor

After three extensions as chief secretary, he has now been accommodated as Thackeray’s principal advisor. A sharp administrator, Mehta is known as ‘de facto CM’ because of his hold on the administration. Thackeray takes policy decisions based on Mehta’s briefings, also handles official postings

ANIL PARAB, Transport minister

The firebrand leader from Bandra has been Thackeray’s man on the ground, coordinating with party workers and keeping everyone happy. As Thackeray’s most trusted minister, he also has the task of liaising with other ministers on certain policy matters