Uddhav Thackeray, who once held the reins of the united Shiv Sena, will address his supporters at Shivaji Park, a traditional stronghold of the party. This venue, rich in the party's history, has served as a rallying point since the days of Bal Thackeray. Uddhav’s faction, now operating under the name Shiv Sena (UBT), aims to assert its continued claim to the party's legacy and rally support amid a fractured voter base. His speech is expected to focus on the betrayal he perceives from Shinde’s faction, while emphasizing his commitment to Hindutva values and the welfare of Maharashtra's citizens.
On the other hand, Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra’s current chief minister, will be leading his own Dussehra rally at Azad Maidan. After splitting from Uddhav Thackeray’s camp last year, Shinde has positioned himself as the rightful heir to the Shiv Sena’s legacy, bolstered by his alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Shinde-led faction's claim to the Shiv Sena name and party symbol of the bow and arrow was validated by the Election Commission earlier this year, a ruling that has been a point of contention between the two leaders. Shinde is expected to use his speech to highlight his faction’s accomplishments in government, aiming to convince voters of his commitment to both Hindutva principles and development.
The significance of these dueling rallies is heightened by the upcoming state elections, where both sides will be vying for dominance in the critical Maharashtra political arena. While Uddhav Thackeray still retains the support of a portion of the Sena’s traditional voter base, the Shinde faction, backed by the BJP, has been making inroads. Political observers view today’s events as a critical moment that will shape the trajectory of the Shiv Sena’s future, with both leaders looking to sway public opinion and consolidate their support ahead of the elections.
The battle between the two factions also highlights deeper ideological and personal differences. While both leaders claim allegiance to the party’s founder Bal Thackeray’s ideals of Hindutva, Uddhav has positioned himself as a more inclusive figure, steering the party towards a broader, more progressive agenda in his alliance with the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Shinde, by contrast, has aligned his faction closely with the BJP, reaffirming the party’s traditional Hindutva roots and focusing on development and governance.
Beyond the politics, today’s events will be closely watched for any shifts in public sentiment. The Dussehra rally has historically served as a barometer for the Shiv Sena’s standing among the masses, and with both factions now vying for attention, the turnout and public reception at the rallies will offer insights into which leader holds the upper hand. Both Uddhav and Shinde are expected to deliver fiery speeches aimed at galvanizing their supporters and countering each other’s narratives.