Eknath Shinde and the Shiv Sena: A Deep Dive into Maharashtra's Political Landscape

In the midst of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls, the Shiv Sena, once a formidable force in Indian politics, finds itself divided. The party, founded by Bal Thackeray in 1966, has been at the forefront of Marathi regionalism and Hindu nationalism. However, a bitter split in 2022 has led to two factions: one led by Eknath Shinde and the other by Uddhav Thackeray. This article delves into the history of the Shiv Sena, the events leading to the split, and the current political dynamics.

The Shiv Sena, meaning 'Army of Shivaji,' has its roots in the pro-Marathi nativist movement in Mumbai. Initially apolitical, it was patronized by then Chief Minister Vasantrao Naik to curb trade unions and maintain a stranglehold on the Congress. The organization ran a strong movement against South Indian people living in Bombay, alleging they did not respect Marathi people and their culture.

Under Bal Thackeray's leadership, the Shiv Sena became a powerful force in Maharashtra politics. Thackeray's fiery speeches and Hindutva philosophy inspired many, including Eknath Shinde. Shinde's entry into politics was facilitated by Anand Dighe, who introduced him to the Shiv Sena in the early 1980s. Shinde quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a prominent labor leader in the Wagle Estate and eventually a Sakha Pramukh in Thane.

Shinde's rise to prominence continued with his election to the Thane Municipal Corporation in 1997. He became the successor to Dighe's legacy after Dighe's death in 2001 and was re-elected to the Thane Municipal Corporation in 2002. Shinde's support for breaking the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance and re-establishing an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led to significant ideological differences within the Shiv Sena.

The crisis began on June 21, 2022, when Shinde and several other MLAs of the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition moved to Surat in BJP-governed Gujarat. This move threw the coalition into chaos, leading to Uddhav Thackeray's resignation as Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Shinde successfully re-established an alliance with the BJP and was sworn in as the 20th Chief Minister of Maharashtra on June 30, 2022, with Devendra Fadnavis as his Deputy Chief Minister.

The split within the Shiv Sena has led to a legal battle over the party's name and symbol. Eknath Shinde's faction filed a petition with the Election Commission of India, staking their claim to the 'Shiv Sena' name and the Bow and Arrow symbol. The Election Commission ruled in favor of Shinde's faction based on the strength of its legislative wing, rather than organizational strength.

Uddhav Thackeray's faction, Shiv Sena (UBT), has challenged this decision in court. The case is currently pending in the Supreme Court of India. This legal battle has further polarized the political landscape in Maharashtra, with both factions vying for control and legitimacy.

The recent Dasara rallies held by both factions have highlighted these divisions. The Shiv Sena (UBT) rally was held at Shivaji Park, while Eknath Shinde's faction held their rally at Azad Maidan. These rallies were not just about showcasing strength but also about setting the tone for the upcoming elections.

The Dasara rallies have been a significant event in Maharashtra politics. Historically, the annual Dasara rally at Dadar's Shivaji Park has been associated with the Thackeray family. However, after Shinde's intra-party revolt, his faction withdrew from holding the rally at Shivaji Park, paving the way for Uddhav Thackeray's faction to hold their rally there.

This year's rallies were particularly contentious. Uddhav Thackeray's faction used the opportunity to attack the BJP and RSS, accusing them of engaging in 'satta jihad'a term used to describe the pursuit of power at any cost.

Eknath Shinde's faction, on the other hand, focused on showcasing their electoral strength. Under Shinde's leadership, his faction of the Shiv Sena performed well in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, securing 7 seats. This performance helped consolidate Shinde's position within the state's political landscape.

The electoral success of Shinde's faction has been a significant factor in the ongoing political battle. The party's ability to secure seats in the Lok Sabha has strengthened their claim to being the true Shiv Sena party. However, Uddhav Thackeray's faction continues to challenge this legitimacy, arguing that Shinde's faction has defected from the original party.

The future of the Shiv Sena remains uncertain. The ongoing legal battle and political maneuvering will likely continue to shape the party's trajectory. One thing is clear: the legacy of Bal Thackeray and the ideology of Hindutva will continue to play a crucial role in Maharashtra's political landscape.

As the elections approach, both factions are gearing up for a fierce battle. The Dasara rallies have set the stage for what promises to be a contentious and dramatic election season in Maharashtra.

In conclusion, the split within the Shiv Sena has led to a complex web of political alliances and rivalries. Eknath Shinde's leadership and electoral success have solidified his position, but Uddhav Thackeray's faction remains determined to reclaim control. The outcome of these elections will have significant implications for Maharashtra's political future.

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