Mumbai: A day after speculation about a possible merger of the two Shiv Sena factions stirred political circles, Shiv Sena MLA Abdul Sattar and Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve fueled further speculation with a dramatic hug on the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Tuesday.
Raut's Invitation
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut seized the moment to invite those who joined Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in 2022 to return to 'Matoshree', the residence of Uddhav Thackeray. Raut asserted that the true Shiv Sena is with the Thackerays, stating, "There cannot be two Shiv Senas; the true Shiv Sena resides wherever the Thackerays are."
Raut's Statement
"Due to the corrupt functioning of the Election Commission, they were granted a temporary symbol; furthermore, owing to the Supreme Court's dilatory approach, the case itself is not progressing. The moment the case is finally heard, the verdict will undoubtedly be in our favor. If anyone believes that, in accordance with the Constitution, the party and the symbol will ultimately belong to us, then let them engage in a dialogue with Uddhavsaheb," Raut said. He added that some individuals will definitely not be taken back.
Shinde's Response
Shinde had on Monday downplayed merger talk, saying his Shiv Sena carries forward the ideology of founder Bal Thackeray and has the people's mandate. He was responding to questions triggered by statements from Sattar and Danve.
Danve and Sattar's Comments
Danve said the BJP is trying to finish off the Sena, using an analogy of big fish eating small fish. Sattar claimed that while the BJP has cut the hands and legs of the Sena (UBT), it has chopped off the head of the Sena in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
