The 59th Foundation Day of Shiv Sena was marked by a dramatic escalation in the ongoing feud between the two factions led by Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. The day witnessed a series of fiery speeches and challenges, with both sides vying for the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray and asserting their claim as the "real" Shiv Sena.
Uddhav Thackeray, addressing a gathering at Shanmukhananda Hall in Sion, launched a scathing attack on the Shinde-led faction and the BJP, accusing them of conspiring to erase the 'Thackeray brand' from Maharashtra's political landscape. In a dramatic flourish, he quoted a famous line from the Bollywood film "Prahaar," saying, "Come on, kill me!" He further taunted his rivals, adding, "But come with an ambulance, like in Amitabh Bachchan's Trishul, because you'll need it." This bold challenge was seen as a direct dare to his opponents, underlining his determination to fight back against what he perceives as an attempt to politically annihilate him and his party.
Eknath Shinde, whose faction held a parallel event at the NSCI Dome in Worli, responded to Thackeray's challenge with equal fervor. Shinde dismissed Thackeray's remarks, stating that he did not want to kill someone who was "already finished." He asserted that the people of Maharashtra had already rejected Thackeray's leadership in the previous elections. Shinde further emphasized that his faction represents the "original Sena" and is committed to upholding the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. "We have the Shiv Sena bow and arrow symbol, and the people's support. We have protected Balasaheb's ideology. Balasaheb's ideology is our wealth," Shinde declared.
The exchange between Thackeray and Shinde reflects the deep animosity and political maneuvering that have characterized the split within the Shiv Sena. Since Shinde's rebellion in 2022, which led to the collapse of the Thackeray-led government, the two factions have been locked in a bitter struggle for control of the party and its legacy. Both sides have accused each other of betraying Balasaheb Thackeray's principles and of compromising the interests of Maharashtra.
Beyond the personal attacks, the Foundation Day speeches also provided a glimpse into the political strategies of the two factions. Shinde used the occasion to sound the poll bugle for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, accusing the Thackeray-led Sena UBT of looting the civic body during its two-decade rule. He also targeted Aaditya Thackeray, hinting at potential scandals related to ongoing investigations. Thackeray, on the other hand, accused the BJP of trying to prevent a possible alliance between Marathi parties, particularly with his cousin Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). He warned that any attempt to destroy the "Thackeray brand" would be met with a strong response against the BJP.
The war of words between Thackeray and Shinde underscores the high stakes involved in the battle for the Shiv Sena's legacy and political future. With crucial elections on the horizon, both factions are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to consolidate their support base and gain an edge over their rivals. The coming months are likely to witness further escalation in the political drama, as the two sides continue to trade barbs and accusations while vying for the hearts and minds of the people of Maharashtra.
