Amid praise showered by the Prime Minister, Supreme Court, High Court and Niti Aayog for doing a commendable job in handling the Covid-19 pandemic in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s media advisor Harshal Pradhan in a blog on Friday wrote that people want to see the Shiv Sena president as next the Prime Minister of India. Pradhan, who has clarified that views expressed are personal, claims Thackeray never cries publicly, he does not lie either.
“He does not use ‘’jumlas’’ (fake promises) to woo voters. Whatever and whenever he said, he kept his words. People love him for that. What else do you need in a PM?’’ asks Pradhan.
He went on to add that Thackeray’s critics, who often questioned his administrative skills because he was never part of the government or legislature before November 2019, have a change of mind now.
Pradhan, who is also Shiv Sena Jan Sampark Pramukh and CM’s close aide, said at the beginning when Uddhav joined the party functions officially, he was criticised by the then politicians for not acting like his father. But he always insisted, “My father has taught me not to follow anyone, not him also. He just wants me to do good things for the common man in my own way. I follow my father’s thoughts, not his style.”
When Uddhav became Shiv Sena chief, he worked very differently. He marked his own targets and achieved them as well. He made their assessment wrong. He proved that he might not be a copy of Balasaheb or mass leader according to them, but surely knows how to win the hearts. ‘’Uddhav is one of the most sensitive and down-to-earth leaders India has at present. He is perhaps the only State head in the country who communicates to his people regularly, putting forth all facts and shortcomings before them, and explains honestly how his government is seeking to tackle the pandemic,’’ Pradhan said.
Every time in his address to the state, which he does regularly, CM Thackeray guides the people like an elder brother. He comes out as a very soft spoken and humble leader but at the same time he encourages discipline and warns the violators of punishment as well.
