The Shiv Sena’s 60th foundation day celebrations on Thursday highlighted the deepening political divide between Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, as both leaders used the occasion to stake their claim over the party’s legacy and future.
The political showdown comes at a critical juncture for the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), which is facing the possibility of another major setback. Reports suggest that six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs are preparing to join the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde, potentially widening the split that first transformed Maharashtra’s political landscape in 2022.
Shinde Projects Confidence, Hints At Bigger Political Developments
Addressing party workers in Mumbai, Eknath Shinde portrayed his faction as the true custodian of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray’s ideology and signalled that more political developments could be on the horizon.
“This is only a trailer. The movie is yet to come,” Shinde declared, using a series of animal metaphors to target his opponents.
“Today, a tiger stands before you. Some dogs keep barking. Tomorrow and the day after, they will keep barking as well. Dogs bark in packs, but a lion comes alone. Dogs keep barking while the tiger hunts. Dogs keep barking while the tiger roars. This is Shiv Sena. This is the Shiv Sena standing strong in Maharashtra today,” he said.
Without naming Uddhav Thackeray directly, Shinde questioned why leaders and workers were continuing to leave the UBT faction.
“Some people keep saying, ‘If anyone wants to leave, let them leave freely.’ Fine, let them go. But now everyone seems to be leaving. Why are they leaving? Do some self-examination and introspection,” he remarked.
The Deputy Chief Minister also used humour and popular culture references to sharpen his attack. Referring to actor Asrani’s famous dialogue from the film Sholay, Shinde mocked the shrinking support base of the rival camp.
“Do you remember Asrani’s dialogue from Sholay? ‘Half of you go here, half of you go there, and the rest follow me.’ But who is behind him? Nobody. They are left only with forks and spoons. How can such a party survive?” he said.
In another swipe, he added: “There is no ground beneath your feet. The surprising thing is that you still don’t realise it.”
Battle Over Bal Thackeray’s Legacy
A major theme of Shinde’s speech was the question that has dominated Shiv Sena politics since the split — who truly represents Bal Thackeray’s legacy.
“Balasaheb Thackeray’s real heirs are my Shiv Sainiks. Succession is not determined by blood relations but by ideology. Shiv Sena is not a piece of land; it is the ideology of millions of people,” Shinde asserted.
He also defended his 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray and the subsequent alliance with the BJP, arguing that critics who predicted his political downfall had been proven wrong.
According to Shinde, many had claimed he would eventually return to his village and take up farming after breaking away from the party. Instead, he said, his faction had strengthened its position in Maharashtra politics and significantly expanded its legislative presence.
Uddhav Thackeray Makes Emotional Appeal
While Shinde struck an aggressive and confident tone, Uddhav Thackeray adopted a far more emotional approach during his address to party workers.
“My soul is truly hurting today,” the former Maharashtra Chief Minister said, acknowledging the difficult phase his party is currently facing.
In a dramatic gesture, Thackeray offered to step down if party workers felt he was no longer the right person to lead the organisation.
“If any of you believe that I am unworthy of this position, tell me directly. I am ready to step down from this post right now,” he said.
Thackeray insisted that he had no personal attachment to power or leadership positions. Instead, he said his primary concern was safeguarding the party founded by his father.
“I have only one determination: this Shiv Sena, which is more precious than gold, should never fall into the hands of thieves and traitors through the back door,” he declared.
He further stated that if there was another Shiv Sainik better suited to lead the party, he would gladly support that person.
“If there is any true Shiv Sainik among you who deserves to lead, let him come forward. I will wholeheartedly support him. I have no obsession with any position and no hunger for power. I am prepared to relinquish the leadership of the party even today,” Thackeray said.
Fresh Defection Threat Looms Over Shiv Sena (UBT)
The speeches come amid growing speculation that six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are preparing to switch allegiance to the Shinde camp.
The lawmakers reportedly include Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar.
Fueling the speculation further, the six MPs skipped a parliamentary party meeting convened by Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday.
If the move materialises, it would mark another major setback for the UBT faction, which has already faced significant organisational and electoral challenges since the 2022 split.
A Symbolic Day, A Continuing Power Struggle
The Shiv Sena’s 60th foundation day ultimately showcased two contrasting political narratives.
While Eknath Shinde projected confidence, organisational strength and ideological continuity, Uddhav Thackeray sought to rally loyalists through an emotional appeal focused on preserving the party’s identity.
With fresh defections looming and both camps continuing to battle for political relevance and Bal Thackeray’s legacy, the struggle for control of the Shiv Sena appears far from over.