Mumbai: Shiv Sena leader Anil Parab today told the Bombay High Court that he never discussed party issues with Uddhav Thackeray even when the latter was Sena’s working president after 2003 and always reported to the party supremo Bal Thackeray. Justice Gautam Patel of the HC was recording Parab’s statement in a suit filed by Bal Thackeray’s estranged son Jaidev challenging his father’s will. Parab is one of the witnesses to the will.
In his last will of December 13, 2011, Bal Thackeray left nothing for Jaidev while bestowing a substantial part of his estate on Uddhav, his another son. The Sena patriarch died on November 17, 2012. While Uddhav moved the HC seeking `probate’ (certification) of the will, Jaidev has disputed it saying his father was of unsound mind at the time and Uddhav influenced had him.
During the examination, Parab said he had an easy access to the Matoshree bungalow of Bal Thackeray. “Bal Thackeray used to receive me personally at his residence. He would discuss all issues — political and personal — with me. I used to report only to Bal Thackeray. I never discussed any issue with Uddhav even after he became the party’s Working President in 2003,” Parab said.
Bal Thackeray often relied on him (Parab) for personal and important works, he added. Parab also provided details of Bal Thackeray’s ailments and medical condition. The hearing would continue on August 19.
