|
Sena working president Uddhav Thackeray received mementoes from
CODA functionaries and members such as Seven Star network's Nadir
Ali and Raja, Sai Cable representatives, Sonali Cable's Suvarn Amonkar,
others such as distributor Ganesh Naidu. The attractively designed
mementoes included Ganesha idols and a dish shaped memento as well
as a ship.
In fact, all the Sena officials in their speeches referred to these
mementoes that were symbolic. For instance Sena functionary and
cable operator Pradeep Chitre said: "We cable operators like mice
and Balasaheb is our Ganesha."
Sena leader Subhash Desai said: "Balasaheb is our vignaharta (like
Lord Ganesha who removes obstacles from the path) and sukhhartha
(like Lord Ganesha who has given us happiness and peace). He also
said that Balasaheb will ferry the cable operator's boat across
rough waters."
CODA had ensured that all the necessary arrangements were made
to give a warm welcome to top Sena leaders. The roads leading to
the venue had orange flags. Specially dressed in Peshwa (Maratha
kings) style attires, musicians played the tutari (a musical instrument
of the Peshwa age) and greeted Uddhav Thackeray when he arrived.
CODA asked Uddhav Thackeray to garland a bust of Peshwa king Shivaji
Raje and a photograph of the late Meenatai Thackeray (Balasaheb's
wife).
When asked about this 'almost sychophantic" approach, a CODA official
later said: "And why not, the Sena is the only political party to
support the last mile operators when no one else did - not even
the ruling NCP-Congress alliance government."
|
