‘Rebel’ Parab is back in Sena

MUMBAI: Former Shiv Sainik Jaywant Parab has returned to the Shiv Sena. In the run-up to the crucial BMC elections, Parab’s homecoming will be a shot in the Sena’s arm, say political observers. A trade unionist, Parab had quit the Sena along with Narayan Rane in 2005. On Sunday, Parab called on Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray at Matoshree, signalling his re-entry into the party.Reiterating his faith in Thackeray’s leadership, Parab said he would work for the Sena with “renewed vigour”. “It was my mistake to leave the Sena in 2005. I did so on the advice of a fool,” he remarked, without mentioning Rane by name.Several second-rung Sena functionaries—Parab, Shrikant Sarmalkar and Hareshwar Patil among others—had left the Sena after Rane’s revolt in the party. .Pointing out that Parab’s and Sarmalkar’s re-entry may help Matoshree score brownie points over Rane, a senior Sena functionary said, “Parab’s re-entry will act as a deterrent to those who want to leave the Sena and join Rane.”