Aditya Thackeray, the young scion of the Thackeray political dynasty, has led the way to a bright, new chapter for the Shiv Sena. On the last day of the year, Thackeray, the grandson of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, indicated that he disapproved of Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh's decision to impose a 1:30 am deadline on New Year's Eve.
"Curb terror and corruption, not citizens," the 23-year-old leader of Yuva Sena, the youth wing of the Shiv Sena, tweeted, leaving many pleasantly surprised. This is a complete U-turn from the general stand the Shiv Sena normally takes on celebrations that involve raucous partying.
"I am indeed very happy, I wish you all a fabulous time. Let us celebrate well and at the same time, responsibly! Hope the state government and the Mumbai Police Commissioner think twice before imposing such orders now. Curb terror and corruption, not citizens," he said.
Singh's comment, asking Mumbaikars to "celebrate the New Year for an hour past midnight and go back to their homes" was met with outrage and disbelief.
In an interview with the Mumbai Mirror, a day before the Bombay High Court heard a petition by hoteliers challenging the decision, Singh said his decision was in the interest of safety of citizens.
But the Bombay High Court on Tuesday extended the deadline for New Year's Eve parties and allowed all establishments - hotels and restaurants- to remain open till 5 am. The HC said, "It is traditionally a night that people spend with friends and family till morning. There is no valid reason to clamp down on what little is left of the city's night life."
The Shiv Sena, which is known to police people against anything it perceives as customs imported from the West, seems set for a change under its young leader.
Aditya's sensible advice - to party responsibly - is sure to have earned him brownie points with the youths. Many in fact wrote to him, congratulating him for the stand he has taken.
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