Mumbai:The success of Raj Thackeray's agitation for Marathi signboards and his recent verbal duel with the Bachchans show that he has emerged as a hero.

Though he has not touched the issues affecting the day-to-day life of common people, he has succeeded in igniting the spirit of fighting in them.

Senior Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi recently admitted that the youth like stone pelting on any issue. "Raj also knows this well. He appeals to his workers in such an impressive manner that they spontaneously go on the rampage without caring for the action by police. His charisma has created a dilemma in many hardcore Shiv Sainiks," he said.

Senior political observer Nikhil Wagale said, "Raj is moving on the path laid by his mentor and uncle Balasaheb Thackeray. He raised the issue of Marathi pride in the same manner as Balasaheb. He not only moved the masses, but also emerged as the winner."

"Though Amitabh Bachchan is known as the angry young man of reel life, the angry young man of politics, Raj Thackeray has scored over him," he observed.
According to Wagale, Rajs party network may not be as strong as any other political party in the state, but he has managed to get the tag of the angry young man of state politics.

"There was a time when Chhagan Bhujbal, Nayaran Rane and RR Patil were looked upon as the angry young men of Maharashtra politics but since they acquired power, their charm went on decreasing," he opined.

Through his agitation for Marathi signboards, Raj dragged the Sena behind him for an issue raised by the Sena itself a few years ago.

Senior journalist Neelkanth Khadilkar had advised Raj to do whatever he wants, on a grand scale with much enthusiasm and full media attention. Raj seems to have followed this and is enjoying the results.

The MNS chief is a very good event manager. He knows how to get media attention. Be it the opening of his brain child Shiv Udyog Sena, photo biography of Bal Thackeray, a grand book festival or a poem reciting function, Raj has always been in the drivers seat.

He has also staked his personal relations for the partys cause. This can be gauged by the fact that the MNS chief had announced to boycott the Abhishek Bachchan-starrer Drona - a film which happens to be directed by his friend Goldie Behl.

Political observer Hemant Desai said, "Raj is emerging as hero since he was arrested in February. His workers do not fear the police action. It is not a good sign for the society but it shows that he has a gang of youths who can take police cases for him. In future, Rajs opinion will get importance in state politics."

Source : DNA