Maharashtra's political arena is once again witnessing a heated exchange between the Shiv Sena factions, sparked by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's "Jai Gujarat" chant during a recent public event in Pune. This seemingly innocuous utterance has stirred controversy, prompting criticism from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and triggering a renewed Sena vs Sena battle.
The incident occurred at the inauguration ceremony of the Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre in Kondhwa, Pune, where Shinde shared the stage with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. After praising Shah and concluding his speech with the customary "Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra," Shinde added "Jai Gujarat," which immediately caught the attention of political observers and sparked outrage among his opponents.
The Uddhav Thackeray faction was quick to condemn Shinde's gesture, interpreting it as a sign of subservience to Gujarat and the central government. Critics within the Sena (UBT) questioned Shinde's commitment to Maharashtra, accusing him of prioritizing Gujarat's interests over those of his own state. This criticism is rooted in past accusations that the current government is allowing industries and businesses to be "snatched" from Maharashtra to strengthen Gujarat. Uddhav Thackeray himself has previously voiced concerns about businesses being taken away from Maharashtra to benefit Gujarat. He has also expressed apprehensions that North Indian migrants settled in Mumbai and nearby areas will be forced to shift to Gujarat for employment.
In response to the criticism, leaders from the Shinde faction have defended the Chief Minister's actions and retaliated by circulating an old video clip of Uddhav Thackeray himself chanting "Jai Gujarat". This move is seen as an attempt to expose what they perceive as hypocrisy within the Sena (UBT) and to deflect the accusations of favoring Gujarat. The resurfacing of Uddhav Thackeray's old clip has further fueled the fire, with both factions now engaged in a battle of narratives to justify their leaders' actions.
Historically, the Shiv Sena has often championed a "Maharashtra first" policy, advocating for the interests of the state and its people. The party's rhetoric has, at times, been perceived as regionalist, emphasizing the importance of Marathi identity and culture. However, Uddhav Thackeray has stated that Shiv Sena never drives outsiders out of Maharashtra. He said that the slogan of Shiv Sena is "First Jai Hind, then Jai Maharashtra. Whenever we move to Gujarat or Punjab, we echo Jai Gujarat or Jai Punjab but only after Jai Hind". In this context, Shinde's "Jai Gujarat" chant and the subsequent uproar can be seen as a sensitive issue that touches upon the core values and historical positioning of the Shiv Sena.
The controversy also highlights the ongoing power struggle between the two Shiv Sena factions since the split in the party. Both groups claim to be the true inheritors of Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy and are constantly seeking opportunities to undermine each other. The "Jai Gujarat" incident has provided another such opportunity, with each faction attempting to portray the other as betraying the party's core principles.
While Shinde's supporters may argue that his "Jai Gujarat" was merely a gesture of goodwill towards a neighboring state, his detractors view it as a symbolic concession that undermines Maharashtra's interests. The incident underscores the delicate balance that political leaders must maintain between regional pride and inter-state relations, especially in a country as diverse as India. As the Sena vs Sena battle intensifies, it remains to be seen how this latest controversy will impact the political landscape of Maharashtra.
