Aaditya Thackeray, who has been in active politics since last five years, announced that he will be contesting from Worli in Mumbai, and sought the blessings of Shiv Sena workers for his success, on Monday.
It is to be noted that no member of the family has ever contested an election or held a constitutional post, abiding by the precedents set by founder Bal Thackeray. Even, Raj Thackeray who parted ways from the Sena to form his own Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) never contested an election.
"I am contesting the elections... I have taken a big plunge. For me this is a big moment and a historic development. Let anybody stand against me, its their right. I am not scared as I am sure you will not let me down," Aaditya said at party's meeting on Monday.
The Worli assembly seat is currently Sena’s held by Sunil Shinde.
After the announcement, Shiv Sena also made it clear that Aaditya Thackeray is the party’s chief ministerial candidate, contrary to BJP’s resolve of maintaining Devendra Fadanavis as the CM , if BJP-Sena alliance retains power.
On the occasion, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said: "Due to some technical glitch, Chandrayaan 2 couldn't land on the moon but we will ensure that this sun (Aditya Thackeray) reaches the 6th floor of Mantralaya (Chief Minister's office) on 21st October."
The Sena and the BJP are in the middle seat-sharing talks, with reports suggesting that the BJP is not keen on sharing an equal number of seats, against what it earlier said.
Also watch how the age-old tradition of the Thackeray family is broken this time: