Aditya Thackeray mourns split of BJP-Shiv Sena "family"

The split between the BJP and Shiv Sena left Aditya Thackeray, son of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, mourning the falling out between the two parties on Thursday, saying that for him the alliance was more like a family.

"For me, and many in Shiv Sena and the BJP, this isn't a political alliance but a family. This alliance has been there since before I was born. I've grown up in an atmosphere of unity with BJP leaders and members," Aditya tweeted.

"This alliance has seen many ups and downs, challenges and protests, but we faced it together and vested interests were kept at bay. Even now, we and many in the Maharashtra BJP do regret the fact that those vested interests have prevailed over unity," he added.

The 25-year-old alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiv Sena ended today, after the core committee meeting called by the BJP concluded that the Shiv Sena was primarily concerned about the chief minister's post and the party's quota of seats.

Maharashtra will go to polls on October 15 while the counting of votes will take place on October 18. There are 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra.