Uddhav snubbed Raj Thackeray at Balasaheb's funeral

Mumbai, Nov 19: Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray reportedly snubbed cousin Raj Thackeray at the funeral of party supremo Bal Thackeray, when the latter was not allowed to be a pallbearer at Matoshree residence. Reports said Raj Thackeray then decided to walk ahead of the flower bedecked truck carryig Balasaheb's mortal remains, hoping that cousi Uddhav would join him in the walk upto Shiv Sena Bhavan, to show to Shiv Sainiks that both were united in their grief, but Uddhav decided to sit on the truck alongwith his family members. As a result, Raj Thackeray left the funeral procession in a huff and sitting in his car went home. He appeared late afternoon at Shivaji Park where the cremation was to take place. According to an MNS leader, Raj was deliberately kept away from the family rituals involving Balasaheb. "He was not allowed to be a pallbearer which was his undeniable right as Balasaheb's nephew", the leader said. When Raj went to Matoshree early Sunday morning with his relatives, he was clearly told that he would not be among the pallbearers. . "Rajsaheb was told that only Shiv Sena leaders and deputy leaders would take turns to carry the mortal remains of Balasaheb", said the MNS leader. "Later, Rajsaheb walked in front of the hearse hoping that Uddhav would join him. The cousins were supposed to walk together ahead of the cortege", the MNS leader said.