In a turning point in Maharashtra politics, the Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, came together under one platform after two decades amplifying the cause of Maharashtra and Marathi-manoos.The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)-INDIA opposition bloc are witnessing the development keenly. Uddhav, the Shiv Sena (UBT) head, is an MVA ally.
Raj, the founder-president of MNS, is currently independent of an alliance.After differences with Uddhav, Raj had walked out of the undivided Balasaheb Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, in 2005 and in 2006, he formed the MNS.The coming together of the cousins in 2025 -- after a gap of 20 years -- is significant on many counts. Significantly, the year 2026 marks the 100th birth anniversary of Balasaheb -- the founder of Shiv Sena -- and 60th foundation year of the party.
Founded by late Balasaheb (January 23, 1926-November 17, 2012), the Shiv Sena is at crossroads because of a split in the party which once had a dominant position in the western Indian state’s politics where for over quarter of a century, coalition politics has been the order.
From the iconic Shivaji Park, which Sainiks refer to as Shiv-Teerth, Balasaheb, in his first Dussehra rally on October 30, 1966 had given the message of “80 takke samaj-karan, 20 takke raj-karan” (80 per cent social work, 20 per cent politics). Today, Uddhav and Raj plan to "go back to basics” for the revival of their respective parties which posted their worst-ever performance in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls.
Four major rebellions mark the the regional party's political journey: first by Chhagan Bhujbal (1991) followed by Narayan Rane (2005), then, Raj Thackeray (2005-06) and finally by Eknath Shinde (2022), who now controls the “real” Shiv Sena and the iconic ‘dhanushya-baan’ (bow and arrow) electoral symbol. has deeply affected the party.
While Raj floated MNS on March 9, 2006 and has the ‘railway engine’ symbol, Uddhav heads Shiv Sena (UBT) and has the ‘mashaal’ (flaming torch) symbol.
Eknath Shinde toppled the Uddhav-led Maha Vikas Aghadi dispensation comprising the Congress and undivided Shiv Sena and undivided Sharad Pawar-led NCP. He joined hands with BJP to become the Chief Minister with the party's former CM Devendra Fadnavis as the Deputy CM. A year later, Ajit Pawar rebelled against his uncle and joined hands with BJP to become the Deputy CM.
The year 2024 came with a mixed bag. In the Lok Sabha polls, the MVA performed very well in Maharashtra, however, Fadnavis with the support of the RSS turned tables and ensured that the opposition benches did not get the post of Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.In the 2024 Assembly polls, Shiv Sena could barely get 20 seats while MNS failed to open its account. (UNI)
