Uddhav Thackeray on Monday made his first public appearance after his father’s death as he kick-started a fortnight-long state tour from Kolhapur – the town where Sena chief Bal Thackeray used to start his campaigning after visiting Mahalaxmi temple. The Sena executive president reminded party workers of his father’s message, “Balasaheb has always told us he is there only because of his Sainiks.”

In his 12-minute-long speech, Uddhav largely focussed on non-political issues, steering clear of controversial topics such as Bal Thackeray’s proposed memorial which senior Sena leaders including Manohar Joshi and Sanjay Raut have demanded at Shivaji Park.

He rather spoke of his father asking the party workers “This is not the time to shed tears but to fight, as Balasaheb wanted  throughout his life.

“Balasaheb used to tell us that Shivaji Maharaj is there in Raigad and watching his work. Today I want to tell you that Balasaheb is very much between us, watching our work,” Uddhav said.

After arriving in Kolhapur, Uddhav, along with wife Rashmi went to Mahalaxmi temple before attending the meeting along with senior party leaders Subhash Desai and Gajanan Kirtikar.