Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - Live
‘But, I can’t betray Thackerays’
MUMBAI: Hours after his Member of Parliament father Gajanan Kirtikar quit the party, Amol Kirtikar posted pictures on his Twitter account of him attending a meeting of Shiv Sena (UBT) office bearers in Goregaon.
There, he was seen sitting with Subhash Desai and other Sena leaders to discuss party’s organisational issues in Goregaon area. The Twitter post drew a number of comments by Sena followers, majority of whom, were applauding his decision not to “betray” Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena.
“It’s my decision (not to quit Thackeray faction). He (Gajanan Kirtikar) can do what he wants,” said Amol, who is deputy leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT).
In fact, besides Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray, Kirtikars are the only other case of fatherson duo occupying key positions in the national executive of the party.
Senior Kirtikar was neta (leader), while Amol is up-neta (deputy leader). In the Sena hierarchy, Sena chief is followed by a group of netas and up-netas. Gajanan was removed from the post by Uddhav Thackeray hours after the former joined Eknath Shinde-led faction on Friday.
Amol, 50, was appointed general secretary of Yuva Sena, youth wing of the Shiv Sena when Aaditya entered politics. In past 17 years, he worked closely with the Thackeray scion and is known as one of his trusted aides. Impressed with his organisational skills, he was promoted to the rank of deputy leader in the party by Uddhav Thackeray.
Now as his father decided to quit the party and join the rebel ranks, Amol faced the dilemma but decided to continue with the Sena (UBT). Some in Sena (UBT) think he too would follow his father ahead of the next assembly elections.
“I know it could get awkward. There will be suspicion about me but I will handle it,” said Amol. “Initially I got my identity due of my father so I will have to face this as well. My work will be my answer,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut said Gajanan will be forgotten by the people soon. “He has taken the decision. But he will be forgotten soon,” Raut remarked.