Thread by @BiIndia

#UddhavThackeray: The accidental chief minister

businessinsider.in/politics/india…

By @KatyaNaidu

There is one misfortune of being born to powerful and charismatic men, the constant comparison. #UddhavThackeray has always been known as the son of #BalasahebThackeray, the founder of #ShivSena — even when he held the numero uno post in the state of Maharashtra.

In his younger days, #UddhavThackeray was known more for his photography skills, which led him to branch off into an advertising business – proving that he inherited his father’s artistic skills. Balasaheb was a well-known cartoonist in his younger days.

Uddhav’s cousin #RajThackeray was expected to be the political heir, but he branched off with a new political outfit. This changed the power dynamics within the family. He had to wrap up his ad business, and join the family business — the business of power.

#UddhavThackeray

The rise of #UddhavThackeray was just as dramatic as his end. When Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was formed, he became the chief minister for merely a day when NCP’s Ajit Pawar broke off a faction to join BJP and #DevendraFadnavis.

That plan failed too after yet another big man and NCP’s head #SharadPawar took the control back into hands and placed #UddhavThackeray, the son of his friend – back in the CM’s seat.

#Maharashtra

Dissent brewed from within and #ShivSena members felt ill-treated and left out after most of the Sena power center stayed within the family. #AdityaThackeray held three cabinet positions angering senior Sena loyalists like #EknathShinde – who rebelled against the government.

If the #MaharashtraPoliticalCrisis as it is being called is a test of #UddhavThackeray’s fortitude, then he accepted his defeat with grace that befits an artist more than a politician.

#MaharashtraPolitics