Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday sidestepped and downplayed talks of a merger between the two factions of the Shiv Sena, asserting that it is his faction that is carrying forward the ideology of the party's founder, late Bal Thackeray. Shinde emphasized that his Shiv Sena has the people's mandate.
Shinde's Response to Merger Speculation
Speaking to reporters, Shinde avoided giving a direct reply to questions about any possibility of rapprochement between his faction and the one led by Uddhav Thackeray. The merger speculation was triggered by recent statements from Sena MLA Abdul Sattar and Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve.
“We are moving forward, upholding the ideology of Balasaheb—the ideology of Hindutva. We have successfully established a government that truly reflects the aspirations of the common people of Maharashtra—not just once, but twice. Furthermore, in these local self-government bodies as well, the people of Maharashtra have bestowed their blessings upon the Sena, upon the ‘Bow and Arrow’ symbol, upon the ideals of Balasaheb and Anand Dighe, and upon the tireless efforts of our dedicated grassroots workers. Consequently, our sweet taste of victory shall continue,” Shinde said.
Sanjay Raut's Counter
Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut countered that the real Shiv Sena is with Uddhav Thackeray, calling the Shinde-led faction a “sister concern” set up by BJP's Amit Shah. Raut said, “If you (Abdul Sattar) claim BJP is bringing about the end of the Sena, then you—and those leaders of yours who are currently serving alongside the BJP as their mere lackeys—must first address the question of what has become of your own self-respect and identity. You need to speak to your leaders; specifically, Abdul Sattar must confirm his leader—who serves as the leader of his faction—regarding his actions that are driving Maharashtra into the abyss, and you must publicly articulate a clear stance on this matter.”
Background of the Statements
While Danve said the BJP is trying to finish off the Sena and gave an analogy of big fish eating small fish, Sattar claimed that the BJP has cut the hands and legs of the Sena (UBT) and chopped off the head of the Sena in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Shinde was speaking after Mahayuti candidate Ravindra Phatak filed his nomination from Thane-Palghar for the MLC polls on Monday.
