Mumbai, Jan 13: The shiv Sena will observe “Pratigya Divas” (Pledge Day) on Jan 23, its founder-patriarch Bal Thackeray’s birth anniversary, at a mass rally in the Maharashtra capital, the party president said Monday.

Shiv Sena president Uddhav author said this year he has appealed to all party staff to join the mega-rally at Somaiya Ground in central Mumbai, rather than organising varied little functions in their localities, and take a pledge to fulfil the late Bal Thackeray’s dreams.

Responding to a question, Uddhav author created it clear it might not be a show of strength to rival its ally Bharatiya Janata Party’s “Maha-Garjana Rally” (great roar rally) control here Dec 22, that was self-addressed by its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

“For us, Jan 23 is an auspicious day, like Dassehra or the knife Sena foundation day. There are lots of emotions hooked up to it day, and the party is sort of a big family,” Uddhav said.

“We know whom to indicate our strength to. we’ll contest the elections with the determination to win. I shall fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to me and can not allow the shiv Sainiks to feel discouraged,” he said.

Replying to a question on whether the BJP would be invited, he created it clear that it’ll be a rally for the shiv Sainiks to take a pledge.

The BJP had unbroken out its ally, Shiv Sena, from Modi’s Dec 22 rally.

“We are here to serve the people and we can do it better if we are in power, though the Shiv Sena’s vision is not just to win elections. Our rule (1995-1999) was the best. We need to be alert and not become complacent. This is what will be our pledge Jan 23,” he declared, setting the tone for the ensuing 2014 Lok Sabha elections, followed by Maharashtra assembly polls later this year.