Bal Thackeray's 'shadow' Thapa goes over to Shinde

Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray's close family aide Champa Singh Thapa, often described as Balasaheb's 'shadow', on Monday threw in his lot with CM Eknath Shinde's group. Another Balasaheb aide Moreshwar Raje, who had served Thackeray at his residence 'Matoshree' for almost three decades, joined the Shinde faction too.

- Manoj Badgeri & Chaitanya Marpakwar

"Champa Singh Thapa, who is considered the shadow of Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray, and Moreshwar Raje, who served for a long time on Matoshree, announced their decision to support us," Shinde tweeted.

Thapa, Man Friday to the Sena patriarch, had served him for 27 years till his death in November 2012. He was always seen standing behind Thackeray at public rallies and during press conferences.

After Thackeray's death, Thapa began working for Uddhav Thackeray and was also seen at public meetings with him.