Uddhav Thackeray takes over as Saamana editor

Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray has taken charge as editor of party mouthpiece Saamana and his father Bal Thackeray, who died on November 17, has been re-designated founder editor.

While Bal Thackeray started the Marathi daily in 1988 to communicate his views to Shiv Sainiks, its Hindi version Dopahar Ka Saamana was launched in 1993.

MP Sanjay Raut continues to be executive editor of the paper and Prem Shukla that of Dopahar Ka Saamana.

In its first editorial after the changes, Sena lashed out at Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Manikrao Thakre for speaking against a Thackeray memorial at Shivaji Park.

Using foul language, the edit warned Thakre against making comments about Bal Thackeray and the memorial.

It said the MPCC chief should not warn of legal action against a structure erected at the park for Thackeray cremation.

The edit said Uddhav had announced a decision regarding the memorial would be taken by Shiv Sainiks and the people, and others should not comment on it.

Congress questioned the language of the piece and claimed Raut was using the daily to establish himself in Sena. "There is already talk of the editorial being a roar of the paper tiger. Raut has used the language to consolidate his position in the party," said Sachin Sawant, Congress spokesman.

Meanwhile, Thakre said he never opposed a Bal Thackeray memorial but stated sanctity of Shivaji Park be maintained.

"I never objected to the memorial for Bal Thackeray. It should be built but at another location. Shivaji Park is a memorial for Shivaji Maharaj. It should remain that way. Perhaps, even Bal Thackeray would not have liked this controversy over a memorial at the park."

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