Smita Thackeray, a film producer and Bal Thackeray's daughter-in-law, has reportedly announced her decision to join the Congress.
The reasons, she claims, for her decision are two. One, she feels the Shiv Sena is being unfair to Maharashtrians with its parochial and divisive politics and two, she was being systematically marginalised by powerful elements in the Thackeray household.
Smita said she was in touch with senior leaders of the Congress in New Delhi and it was only a question of time before she formally stepped into the party.
However, Cong sources have denied reports that she's joining the party.
"We have nothing against Balasaheb Thackeray, we hold him in the highest regard. She approached Shiv Sena but didn't meet an appropriate response. She's keeping all her options open," said Smita's son Rahul Thackeray.
Meanwhile, reacting to such reports, executive president of the Shiv Sena, Uddhav Thackeray, said that everyone is free to take their own decision.