On the 59th foundation day of the Shiv Sena, the political atmosphere in Maharashtra reached a fever pitch as Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his faction. Addressing a rally, Thackeray didn't mince words, labeling Shinde's gathering as a "collection of thieves." His fiery speech was punctuated by a dramatic quote from veteran actor Nana Patekar, "Come on, kill me!", underscoring the intensity of the ongoing political battle.

Thackeray's address centered on the claim that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shinde-led Sena are actively trying to prevent the unification of Marathi political parties ahead of crucial upcoming civic elections. He cautioned the BJP against undermining the "Thackeray brand," invoking the legacy of his family's political influence and warning against attempts to tarnish it. He questioned how Sena (UBT), formed in 2022, could celebrate 59 years of Shiv Sena.

Eknath Shinde retaliated strongly, mocking Thackeray's rally. He questioned Thackeray's hesitation to call Balasaheb Thackeray "Hindu Hriday Samrat" (Emperor of Hindu Hearts) and criticized his alliance with those he deemed incongruous with the party's original ideology.

The foundation day rallies served as a stage for both factions to display their strength and reiterate their claims to the Shiv Sena legacy. The rallies also highlighted the deep divisions within the party since Shinde's rebellion in 2022, which led to the collapse of the Thackeray-led government. The Election Commission of India has recognized the Shinde faction as the official Shiv Sena and allotted it the 'bow and arrow' symbol.

The conflict between the two factions has extended beyond political rhetoric, with both sides claiming the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray and the original ideals of the Shiv Sena. This battle for legitimacy is crucial as both groups prepare for upcoming elections, where they will vie for the support of the Shiv Sena's traditional voter base.

The political drama in Maharashtra is likely to intensify in the coming months as the state gears up for civic polls. The accusations and counter-accusations, the battle for the Shiv Sena legacy, and the looming elections all point to a period of intense political activity and potential realignments in the state. The "gathering of thieves" remark and the dramatic invocation of Nana Patekar's dialogue have added fuel to the fire, setting the stage for a fierce and unpredictable political contest.