MUMBAI: Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has, in a letter, urged Anna Hazare to give up his fast, adding that the Sena thinks the crusader's life is "precious".
Thackeray's emotional appeal to Hazare-as one Marathi manoos to the other, according to Sena sources-has created ripples in political circles. The Sena-Hazare equations have been uneasy over the last few years, even strained at times, say Sena watchers.
Although the Sena claims that it was the first to support Hazare in April this year, Matoshree has since been hemming and hawing on the Lokpal bill, arguing that the civil society's legislation may impinge on the Parliament's rights and privileges. Saamna, the Sena mouthpiece, recently penned two editorials slamming the Lokpal imbroglio.
Expressing concern about Hazare's deteriorating health, Thackeray said the social activist's close lieutenants should undertake a fast and continue the anti-corruption stir. "You have put your life on stake for a noble cause. However, your life is precious," Thackeray said, and extended his party's unflinching support to Hazare. "We are backing your cause. However, there is no political motive behind our support," he added.
The soft tone of the missive is in sharp contrast with the Sena's all-too-known apprehension about Hazare. During the Sena-BJP reign in Maharashtra in the late 1990s, Hazare had earned the wrath of Matoshree by accusing Sena-BJP ministers of corruption.
Sena CEO Uddhav Thackeray, addressing a press conference, elaborated on his father's letter and said, "Hazare's close colleagues such as Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejriwal should sit and fast and take the stir ahead under Anna's leadership."
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