Shiv Sena on Monday unveiled plans to reach the Marathi manoos by organising a 'vada pav sammelan'.

Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray, speaking at the launch function, said the 'Shiv vada' would provide jobs to Marathi people.

"We will make efforts to popularise the product and brand it on the lines of well-known pizza and burgers," he said.

The best vada pav will be launched on Sena chief Bal Thackeray's [Images] birthday on January 23 under the 'Shiv Vada pav' brand.

The exercise aims to standardise the recipe and provide a permanent means of livelihood to vendors, mostly Shiv Sainiks. The Sena is expected to use its power in the  Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to provide licences to vendors.

At today's event, held at Shivaji Park, there were 27 vendors, 25 from Mumbai and one each from Baramati (Pune) and Karjat (Thane).

Sanjay Gurav, president of the Maharashtra Vadapav Vikreta Sena, affiliated to the Shiv Sena, said the event will decide the best vada pav recipe.

"We will select top five vendors, monitor their consistency in taste and hygiene and finally select one for the Shiv vada pav brand," he informed.