The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections have heightened intrigue due to the intra-party rivalry within the Shiv Sena, split between the faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the one led by Uddhav Thackeray, known as Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray or UBT). Following their 2022 split, the two factions have been navigating political landscapes that overlap in many areas, leading to head-to-head contests in 53 constituencies across the state. Both camps claim to be the “real” Shiv Sena, and with this election cycle, their battle for identity and allegiance has reached a critical juncture.
The Background: A Split in Leadership
The Shiv Sena split stems from a rebellion by Eknath Shinde and several MLAs against Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership and his alliance with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition. Shinde and his supporters later aligned with the BJP, and Shinde was appointed Chief Minister, marking a major realignment in Maharashtra’s political scene. The Uddhav-led faction, meanwhile, continued its coalition with the Congress and NCP, positioning itself as a protector of the Shiv Sena’s traditional values while accusing the Shinde faction of betraying these principles.
Key Constituencies and Symbolic Battles
In Mumbai and other districts, the Uddhav and Shinde factions are locked in high-stakes battles. Key constituencies like Mahim and Worli hold significant symbolic value for the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). Mahim, in particular, is considered the birthplace of the undivided Shiv Sena, and both factions are contesting it vigorously. The Shinde-led Shiv Sena has fielded Sada Sarvankar in Mahim, while the Uddhav faction has nominated Mahesh Sawant. This contest is not merely about votes but about who can lay claim to the party’s founding legacy in Mumbai’s heart
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In addition to Mahim, the constituency of Worli will also see Aaditya Thackeray, son of Uddhav Thackeray, contesting under the Shiv Sena (UBT) banner. He faces tough competition as the Shinde faction leverages its BJP alliance to capture this and other seats held by Uddhav loyalists. This overlap in constituencies demonstrates the depth of division, as both sides vie for the same voter base, which is predominantly Marathi-speaking, working-class, and emotionally connected to the original Shiv Sena ideology
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The Fight for Recognition
For both factions, obtaining voter recognition as the “true” Shiv Sena is essential. Uddhav’s camp emphasizes continuity and loyalty to the Shiv Sena’s ideological roots and legacy, which his father, Balasaheb Thackeray, cultivated. By retaining the “Shiv Sena” name and continuing his father’s traditional Dussehra rallies at Shivaji Park, Uddhav attempts to reinforce his legitimacy as the rightful leader.
Conversely, Shinde’s faction argues that Uddhav’s alliance with the Congress and NCP deviates from Balasaheb’s Hindutva ideals, which centered on political independence from national parties like the Congress. Shinde’s coalition with the BJP, he asserts, is in line with Balasaheb’s original vision of a Maharashtra-centric Hindutva, a stance he hopes will attract traditionalist voters disillusioned with Uddhav’s MVA alliance.
Impact on Voters and the Future of Maharashtra Politics
The intense intra-party rivalry could lead to a split in the Shiv Sena vote bank, especially among staunch Shiv Sena supporters who feel conflicted over which faction truly represents them. The dynamics could benefit other political players, such as the BJP and Congress, each of whom seeks to sway Marathi voters while both factions of the Sena compete for their allegiance. For Maharashtra’s future governance, this election will play a critical role in determining whether either Sena faction can consolidate enough support to maintain a significant role in the state’s politics or if they will instead fragment their base, weakening their influence.
Conclusion
The November 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections will likely redefine the Shiv Sena’s future. With 53 constituencies seeing Sena-on-Sena competition, the outcome may clarify which faction can genuinely claim Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy in the eyes of the people. This intense struggle is not merely electoral but deeply symbolic, as both Shinde and Uddhav attempt to align themselves with the party’s history and vision. For Maharashtra’s political landscape, the results will shape not only the future of Shiv Sena but also the broader ideological direction of the state itself.
As the election date approaches, Maharashtra’s voters are left to decide which “Sena” resonates more deeply with the party’s founding ideals, and which can navigate the state toward stability and growth.