Lucknow:

is planning to expand its reach before the 2019 general elections and is all set to move north, targeting increased presence in UP,

and

while initially starting its trek from Western ghats of Maharashtra to the Vindhya ranges.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aditya, who is Yuva Sena chief, will soon start campaign in Rajasthan which is going to polls.

The party has decided to challenge BJP in Rajasthan and would launch a campaign to expose how the ruling party betrayed the mandate of masses by not following the agenda of Hindutva.

Thackerays, who are originally Kayasthas from Madhya Pradesh who migrated to Mumbai in 1950s, are also planning to increase their foothold in their native state.

The Shiv Sena leadership feels that BJP is rapidly losing support of Hindus for failing to implement Hindutva agenda in last four and a half years despite occupying posts from pradhan to president and hence it was the most favourable time for it to elbow out BJP from UP, MP and Rajasthan.

"On July 27, Saamna had carried a detailed interview of party chief Uddhav Thackeray in which he declared that he would be going to Ayodhya on November 24 on a two-day visit. Its only then that VHP announced a Dharm Sabha in Ayodhya on November 25," revealed a senior Sena functionary.

On November 24, Uddhav would visit Laxman Qila on the banks of Saryu where Laxman breathed his last and then attend Saryu aarti. Next day, he would pay obeisance to Ram Lala and hold a press conference.

In the presser, Uddhav is likely to criticise ruling BJP for being in slumber in last four and a half years on temple issue. The party will also question the Sangh Pariwar on the need for holding a congregation demanding enactment of law for temple construction when BJP has been in power with majority.

VHP has verbally invited Uddhav Thackeray to attend its programme in Ayodhya on November 25 but he is yet to decide whether he would join or not, a close aide of Thackeray told TOI. So far, no politician has confirmed joining the VHP event.