Amit Shah Declares Eknath Shinde-Led Faction as the Sole Shiv Sena

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday made a significant political statement, asserting that the faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is now the only legitimate Shiv Sena. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of the Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, Shah directly addressed the ongoing split within the party.

“Now, there is no need to refer to it as the ‘Shinde faction’ anymore. Now, there is only one Shiv Sena left, which is led by Shiv Sena president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde,” Shah said, in a clear reference to the faction led by former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

The remarks come amidst a political realignment in Maharashtra, where six Members of Parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) have recently decided to join the Shinde-led Sena. This development has further weakened the UBT faction, which has been embroiled in a legal and political battle over the party's symbol and identity since the split in June 2022.

The Election Commission had earlier recognized the Shinde faction as the official Shiv Sena, awarding it the party's bow-and-arrow symbol. However, the Uddhav faction continues to claim legitimacy and has challenged the decision in court. Shah's statement, made on a public platform, reinforces the central government's support for the Shinde faction.

Political analysts view this as a strategic move to consolidate the Shinde-led Sena's position ahead of upcoming elections. The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), currently governs Maharashtra.

Eknath Shinde, who took oath as Deputy Chief Minister in July 2023 after a power-sharing agreement, has been working to expand his faction's base. Shah's assertion adds a layer of political legitimacy, potentially influencing both party workers and voters.

While the Uddhav Thackeray faction has not yet officially responded to Shah's statement, it is expected to reiterate its claim as the original Shiv Sena, citing the party's history and the legacy of its founder, Bal Thackeray. The legal battle over the party's name and symbol is ongoing, with the Supreme Court yet to deliver a final verdict.

This development highlights the fluid nature of Maharashtra's political landscape, where alliances and party identities remain contested.