Mumbai, the city where the Shiv Sena was born and bred, is gearing up for a high-voltage political spectacle this Thursday. Two factions of the party—once united under the towering shadow of Balasaheb Thackeray—will now celebrate Shiv Sena Foundation Day at two different venues, under two very different banners. The day, which was once marked by unity and pride, now underscores the division that has reshaped Maharashtra’s political map.
On one side, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who wrested control of the original party name and symbol after the dramatic split, will lead his camp at the grand NSCI Dome in Worli. On the other, Uddhav Thackeray, the former Chief Minister and son of the party’s founder, will hold court at the Shanmukhananda Hall in Sion, representing the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction allied with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
Both sides have pulled out all the stops, not just in terms of event planning but also in their bid to outshine one another in symbolism, rhetoric, and political muscle. For Shinde, this is a moment to assert his legitimacy with saffron flags flying high and a narrative grounded in “real Hindutva.” His teaser video shows him walking shoulder-to-shoulder with the party’s iconic tiger—signaling his claim to Balasaheb’s ideological legacy.
Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray's camp is painting a different picture—one of betrayal, struggle, and revival. His supporters see this Foundation Day as a chance to reclaim the soul of the Sena by aligning with secular allies like the Congress and NCP, while reinforcing a ground-up campaign for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
The significance of this parallel celebration isn’t lost on anyone. The BMC, once Shiv Sena’s unchallenged fortress, is up for grabs. With no elected body in place since 2022, the richest municipal corporation in Asia has become the ultimate battleground for both factions.
Sources from both camps say major political announcements are likely during the events—new appointments, strategies, and possibly a preview of election manifestos. For Shinde, it’s about consolidating his grip over the “official” Sena. For Uddhav, it’s about reviving the emotional connect with the party’s loyal voter base.
In essence, Mumbai isn’t just hosting two events on Thursday. It’s hosting a battle for identity, loyalty, and legacy—a Sena vs Sena drama playing out in full public view.
