Shiv Sena seeks national role, says Shaina NC amid Kerala outreach

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina N.C. said on Friday (August 21, 2026) that the party led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is aiming to expand its footprint beyond its traditional stronghold and has been actively working in Kerala since 1996. She was speaking during a visit to the city, where she outlined the party's broader political ambitions.

“The agenda will always be development,” Ms. Shaina said, responding to questions about the party's plans. She also touched upon issues she described as serious concerns for Kerala, including law and order, communal tensions, and the growing problem of drug abuse.

On the Sabarimala temple issue, she urged authorities to be open and transparent, especially in cases such as thefts, while maintaining that matters of faith must be handled sensitively. “First, when it is a matter of belief, whether it is Sabarimala, if there is a theft, come out openly and be transparent,” she said.

However, her primary emphasis was on the drug menace. “The larger problem that Kerala faces today is drugs. You need to eradicate drugs from the base,” she asserted, calling for a comprehensive crackdown rather than superficial measures.

Ms. Shaina's visit is part of the Shiv Sena's efforts to position itself as a national party. The Eknath Shinde-led faction, which has often been described as a regional force rooted in Maharashtra's Hindutva politics, has in recent years sought to build organisational structures in other states. Her reference to Kerala as 'Keralam' and the claim of a three-decade presence suggest an attempt to establish deeper local connect.

Political observers note that the Shiv Sena's expansion strategy comes at a time when the party is navigating its role within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and asserting its independent identity. While the party has historically contested elections mainly in Maharashtra, its leadership has repeatedly indicated aspirations to grow beyond state boundaries.

During her interaction, Ms. Shaina did not provide specific details about organisational milestones or electoral plans in Kerala. She limited her remarks to broad policy positions, focusing on development and the need for strong action against drugs.

The visit is likely to be watched closely by political rivals in Kerala, where the ruling Left Democratic Front and the opposition United Democratic Front have their own entrenched bases. The BJP, which is also part of the NDA, has been trying to expand in the state, and the Shiv Sena's entry could further complicate the political landscape.

At a time when Kerala is battling issues related to coastal security, gold smuggling, and drug trafficking, Ms. Shaina's comments on transparency and law and order may resonate with sections of the public. Yet, her party's limited presence in the state means that these statements are yet to translate into visible political activity.

Her remarks were reported as a brief media interaction, with no mention of any scheduled public meetings or organisational announcements. It remains to be seen whether the Shiv Sena's nationwide expansion rhetoric will amount to substantive political engagement in the coming months.