Shiv Sena marks 60th foundation day amid factional divide

MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena, founded on June 19, 1966, by Bal Thackeray, celebrates its 60th foundation day on Friday. The milestone comes at a time when the party is split into two factions — one led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the other by former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Both factions will hold separate events in Mumbai. The Shinde-led faction is expected to project strength, while the Thackeray-led faction's celebration is likely to be subdued following recent defections. Shinde and Uddhav are scheduled to address their respective party workers.

Speaking about the events, Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant posted on social media that many 'formidable ones have been subdued,' an apparent reference to the merger of some legislators from the Thackeray faction into the Shinde faction. The merger, dubbed 'Operation Tiger,' is said to be nearly complete.

Shinde is expected to claim the legacy of the late Bal Thackeray, while Uddhav is likely to respond to the defections and target Shinde and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which supports the Shinde government. Observers note that Uddhav may also make an emotional appeal to retain his supporters.

The split in the Shiv Sena occurred in June 2022, when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, resulting in the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. Shinde later formed a government with the BJP, and the two factions have been locked in a legal battle over the party's name and symbol.

Political analysts say the foundation day events will showcase the competing claims to the party's legacy and test the strength of each faction.