Dussehra 2024 is set to witness a major showdown between two prominent factions within the Shiv Sena—the Eknath Shinde-led faction and the Uddhav Thackeray-led group. This clash of political titans comes at a critical time, with both leaders attempting to assert dominance ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. What was once a unified party founded by the late Bal Thackeray has now become a house divided, and this year’s Dussehra celebrations will be more than a symbolic affair; they will shape the tone of the state’s politics in the months to come.
The Shiv Sena Split: A Deepening Divide
The rift between Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde has its roots in the political upheaval of June 2022, when Shinde, backed by a significant portion of Shiv Sena MLAs, broke away from the Thackeray-led faction. The split resulted in the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, a coalition between the Shiv Sena (under Uddhav Thackeray), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and the Congress. Shinde’s revolt, supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), allowed him to become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, leaving Thackeray in a weakened position. Since then, the two leaders have been engaged in a battle for control over the party’s identity and its political future.
This year’s Dussehra rallies are poised to be a litmus test for both factions. Dussehra holds special significance for the Shiv Sena as it marks one of the party’s largest annual gatherings in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, a tradition started by Bal Thackeray. Both Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray are expected to deliver powerful speeches aimed at galvanizing their respective bases, while sending strong messages to voters and political rivals alike.
Shinde vs. Thackeray: A Fight for Legacy
For Uddhav Thackeray, this Dussehra rally represents more than just a political event—it is about safeguarding the legacy of his father, the late Bal Thackeray, the charismatic founder of the Shiv Sena. Uddhav has sought to position himself as the true heir to Balasaheb’s legacy, emphasizing the party’s roots in Maharashtra’s regional pride, Hindutva ideology, and its commitment to the “Marathi Manoos.”
However, the emergence of Shinde as a formidable rival has complicated this narrative. Shinde has sought to cast himself as the torchbearer of Bal Thackeray’s ideology, especially in terms of advocating for Hindutva and protecting the rights of ordinary citizens in Maharashtra. By aligning himself with the BJP, Shinde has found a powerful ally in the state’s most influential political force. In his speeches, Shinde often portrays Uddhav Thackeray as having abandoned his father’s principles by forming an alliance with the Congress and NCP in 2019—parties that are ideologically opposed to Hindutva.
This Dussehra, Shinde is expected to use the platform to consolidate his position as the chief minister and reassure voters that his government is stable and capable of delivering on promises. His rhetoric will likely revolve around projecting himself as a more action-oriented leader, contrasting Uddhav’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, which Shinde’s camp has criticized for being ineffective.
Uddhav’s Counterattack: Rebuilding the Shiv Sena
On the other hand, Uddhav Thackeray is in rebuilding mode. After losing a significant chunk of his party’s leadership to Shinde, Uddhav has sought to regain ground by targeting the BJP and Shinde for what he calls a “betrayal” of the Shiv Sena’s principles. His Dussehra speech is expected to emphasize the “undemocratic” nature of the BJP-Shinde government, accusing them of sidelining the common people in favor of corporate interests.
Uddhav’s strength lies in his continued influence over grassroots Shiv Sainiks (loyal party workers) and his alliance with the NCP and Congress under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). In recent months, Uddhav has focused on local issues, attempting to portray himself as a leader who is deeply connected to the concerns of ordinary Maharashtrians, from farmers’ distress to rising unemployment. He has also built bridges with opposition parties at the national level, aligning with the INDIA bloc to challenge the BJP in the 2024 general elections.
Dussehra 2024: Setting the Tone for the Maharashtra Polls
The Dussehra rallies are significant not only for the Shiv Sena factions but for the broader political landscape in Maharashtra. Both Shinde and Thackeray are vying to set the narrative for the state elections, expected to be held in 2024. The outcome of this electoral contest will determine the direction of Maharashtra’s politics for the next five years.
For Shinde, it is a battle to prove his legitimacy as the leader of the Shiv Sena and the state, particularly in the eyes of the BJP, whose support will be crucial. Uddhav, on the other hand, is fighting to revive his political fortunes and reassert the Shiv Sena’s identity as a force that cannot be easily co-opted by the BJP.
As the two leaders prepare for their respective Dussehra rallies, one thing is certain: this year’s celebrations will be more than just a display of festive fervor. They will mark a defining moment in Maharashtra’s political saga, setting the tone for what promises to be an intense election season. The Shiv Sena’s legacy, leadership, and future are all at stake in this high-stakes political battle.