Nagpur: With an eye on reviving its organisational base in Vidarbha ahead of upcoming local body elections, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his son, Yuva Sena chief Aaditya, will embark on a tour of the region beginning from Nagpur on Friday.The father-son duo’s visit has triggered intense political activity within the party, with Shiv Sena (UBT) workers preparing for what leaders described as a major show of strength in a region where the party has struggled to retain its influence following the split in the Sena.A preparatory meeting was held at the party’s Reshimbagh office on Wednesday under the leadership of Vidarbha contact chief Satish Harde and city unit chief Kishor Kumeria to finalise arrangements for the visit. Senior party leaders, including Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut, Vinayak Raut, MP Anil Desai, MLC Milind Narvekar and youth leader Suraj Chavan are also expected to accompany the Thackerays.Party functionaries said the visit assumes significance as Shiv Sena (UBT) seeks to energise its cadre and consolidate support in eastern Maharashtra after suffering setbacks following the 2022 split. The leadership is expected to interact with office-bearers, review organisational preparedness and outline the party’s strategy for the forthcoming civic elections.Addressing workers here in Nagpur, Harde asserted that the party continued to stand on the strength of ‘loyal Shiv Sainiks’ rather than elected representatives, who switched allegiance.Kumeria said the beginning of the Vidarbha tour from Nagpur carries symbolic importance and called upon workers to ensure a grand welcome for the leadership.Party sources said preparations are underway across the city, including installation of banners and mobilisation of workers, as Shiv Sena (UBT) attempts to project the visit as the sounding of the bugle for the next round of political battles in Vidarbha.
