The "Sena vs. Sena" clash between Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde remains one of Maharashtra’s most contentious political dramas. This feud underscores the ideological divide within the Shiv Sena party, a legacy of its late founder, Bal Thackeray. Uddh

The Maharashtra political scene has become increasingly turbulent with a new chapter in the ongoing conflict between the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Eknath Shinde's faction, which is backed by BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis. This battle, now dubbed "Sena vs. Sena," revolves around which faction is the legitimate "real Shiv Sena." This dispute has escalated following a recent decision by Maharashtra’s Assembly Speaker, Rahul Narwekar, who recognized the Shinde faction as the real Shiv Sena. This decision came after a lengthy power struggle that started when Shinde led a mass defection of MLAs from Uddhav’s camp, resulting in the fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in June 2022.

Following this, the Election Commission formally declared Shinde’s group as the official Shiv Sena in early 2023, awarding them the party's iconic "bow and arrow" symbol. This verdict was based on the majority support within both the legislature and the party ranks. Consequently, the Uddhav Thackeray-led camp, now operating as Shiv Sena (UBT), was allocated a different symbol—a flaming torch—symbolizing its new identity. Despite this, Uddhav Thackeray and allies like Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) argue that the Speaker’s decision is politically biased, insisting that the case should be escalated to the Supreme Court, as they believe they have a strong case.

Fadnavis has publicly celebrated the Speaker’s decision as a validation of democracy and stability for the Shinde government. As the case continues to draw national attention, it highlights the complexity of internal party rifts and how these battles have far-reaching consequences for Maharashtra’s political landscape. With assembly elections approaching, this conflict is likely to become a significant talking point in the state.

The "Sena vs. Sena" clash between Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde remains one of Maharashtra’s most contentious political dramas. This feud underscores the ideological divide within the Shiv Sena party, a legacy of its late founder, Bal Thackeray. Uddhav Thackeray, Bal Thackeray’s son, previously led the Shiv Sena under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition government in partnership with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Congress. However, this unity was disrupted when Shinde led a major defection with over 40 Shiv Sena MLAs, aligning with the BJP, which was strategically led by Devendra Fadnavis. Shinde’s alliance with Fadnavis facilitated the collapse of the MVA government, with Shinde assuming the Chief Minister role and Fadnavis as his deputy.

The Maharashtra Speaker’s decision to recognize the Shinde-led faction as the legitimate Shiv Sena further escalated the conflict. The Election Commission had previously based its decision on the Shinde faction’s majority in both the state assembly and Parliament. This ruling granted Shinde’s group the Shiv Sena name and the "bow and arrow" symbol. Uddhav Thackeray, however, argues that the 2018 party constitution amendment centralizes power within the party’s chief—meaning that his leadership should be considered legitimate. This constitutional change, which has been a key point in the Supreme Court and Election Commission hearings, wasn’t presented to the Commission, creating additional legal complexity.

Amid the high-stakes legal battle, influential allies like NCP chief Sharad Pawar have openly supported Uddhav, urging him to seek redress in the Supreme Court. Pawar described the Speaker’s ruling as a “political decision,” suggesting that it violated the democratic process and urging Uddhav to challenge it. Uddhav, who remains popular among a segment of the Shiv Sena base, has condemned the ruling as a “murder of democracy.” Meanwhile, Fadnavis and Shinde have framed the Speaker’s decision as a triumph of due process and stability, signaling confidence that their faction will continue to lead Maharashtra.

With assembly elections looming, the outcome of this power struggle could significantly influence the political dynamics in Maharashtra, shaping alliances and voter sentiments.