Duelling factions of Sena prepare for rivalry in Mumbai

After two Dasara rallies last year, the two factions of Shiv Sena are set to engage in a showdown with two separate Foundation Day celebrations on June 19 in Mumbai.

After two Dasara rallies last year, the two factions of Shiv Sena are set to engage in a showdown with two separate Foundation Day celebrations on June 19 in Mumbai.

The party founded by the late Bal Thackeray celebrates its 57th Foundation Day this year, which comes after the split last year when present Chief Minister Eknath Shinde rebelled against then CM and Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray, resulting in the downfall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra.

Subsequently, the Election Commission of India (EC) allotted the party’s name and the ‘bow and arrow’ symbol to Mr. Shinde’s faction while Mr. Thackeray faction was renamed as Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray).

A day ahead of the Foundation Day, on June 18, the Sena led by Mr. Thackeray will hold a plenary at Worli where more than 6,000 functionaries, including MPs, MLAs, district chiefs and office-bearers from Maharashtra and across the country will participate, Sena (UBT)’s Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Raut said that party leader Mr. Thackeray will address and offer guidance to party functionaries during the day-long event, and the next day, Foundation Day event will be held at Shanmukhananda Hall at Sion like every year.

“It is going to be a two-day celebration during which a large number of ‘real’ Shiv Sainiks will take part,” the Thackeray loyalist said, adding that their faction represents the true essence of the party. Worli Assembly constituency is represented by Mr. Thackeray’s son and the former State Environment Minister, Aaditya Thackeray. Mr. Raut said that the main agenda of the meeting would be giving fitting replies to the ‘illegal’ government in Maharashtra.

The Shiv Sena led by Mr. Shinde will hold its event at NESCO Grounds at Goregaon. “Party workers from across the State will assemble for the Foundation Day event,” said Mr. Shinde’s son and Lok Sabha MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde.