A steadfast Hindutva leader from Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray is the current chief of the regional party, Shiv Sena. Founded by his father, Bal Thackeray, Shiv Sena’s popularity has not been restricted within the boundaries of the state but has been in the limelight always for their orthodox pro-Maratha ideologies and stances. Uddhav Thackeray’s association with the Shiv Sena, before he was chosen as the successor to head the party was to manage Saamana, the mouthpiece of the party. Since June, 2006 he has been the Editor-in-Chief of this popular, and often controversial, Marathi local newspaper. He is a published author and a professional photographer whose work has appeared in numerous magazines. There are also over half a dozen books and photo magazines which Uddhav Thackeray has published over the span of his career as a photographer and writer. He was handed the responsibility of managing the party during the 2002 Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, and Shiv Sena performed really well. It was the first time that anyone saw Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership qualities and flair for politics. He started working with the party more closely, and in 2004, Balasaheb Thackeray announced him as the next party Chief, choosing him over his cousin, Raj Thackeray, who everyone expected to succeed Bal Thackeray.