Uddhav to officially take over Shiv Sena reins in Jan

In January 2013, Team Uddhav will officially take over the reins of the Shiv Sena, reports Sayli Udas Mankikar.

In January 2013, Team Uddhav will officially take over the reins of the Shiv Sena.

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The Sena national executive meeting, which is likely on January 23, 2013, will see intra-party elections, membership renewals, the 2014 election agenda being set and, most importantly, official announcement of the new Sena chief.

Sena sources say while the older members will be given an advisory role, the younger lot, who are seen close to Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, will be given senior posts.

While the Election Commission makes it mandatory for political parties to have such a meet to retain its recognition, its timing is important, as it will be held barely two months after the Sena chief Bal Thackeray’s death.

“We are planning to conduct the national executive meeting in January,” confirmed party spokesperson Sanjay Raut.

After Bal Thackeray’s death, it was decided in a party meeting at Matoshree that while Uddhav will remain the executive president he would be vested with the powers of the party president. This will be officially executed in the meeting.

He added that the Sena strategy was likely to focus on youth, as about 32% of the Sena voters are between 18 and 30 years old.

The meeting is likely to last for a day and may be held at Shiv Sena Bhavan in Mumbai.