Eknath Shinde, Uddhav Thackeray unleash poster war ahead of party’s foundation day

While Shinde has organised his rally in Goregaon, Thackeray will hold the rally at Shanmukhananda Hall in Sion.

The Shinde-led Shiv Sena’s flag has prominently displayed its party symbol ‘bow and arrow’, whereas Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) depicts ‘flaming torch’. The message that comes through is that both Shinde and Thackeray are battle-ready. It is a fight between bow and arrow versus flaming torch.

The hoardings put up by Shinde faction prominently have pictures of late Bal Thackeray along with his political mentor late Anand Dighe. In the backdrop, there is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, alongside a map of Maharashtra. It also has pictures of CM Shinde.

The Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) posters’ central message reads: Amhi Balasahebanchi ShivSena. Asel Amchi Kayam Saath. 365 divas, 24 taas…Translated it means, “We are Balasaheb’s Shiv Sena. We pledge our support forever 365 days, 24 hours…”

The posters of Shiv Sena (UBT) have pictures of late Bal Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray. The message underneath asserts: “Nishtavanancha kutumbhshohala; Shiv Sena parivar jaga vegla.” Translated it means, “This is the get-together of die-hard loyalists. Shiv Sena parivar is different from the world.”

The images and words used to convey the message loud and clear to cadre strongly underlines the theme of each party.

While Shinde camp is trying to show its commitment to take forward Bal Thackeray’s legacy and ideology, Thackeray camp stokes emotive pitch by playing on family and loyalty.

It reiterates Shinde’s betrayal and hunger for power. As Shiv Sena leader Anil Parab notes, “Shinde betrayed the party which was founded by late Balasaheb Thackeray.”

The Thackeray Sena’s central theme is to embolden the tag ‘gaddar’ for Shinde camp. Every leader who has remained with Thackeray admits, “Shinde-led rebels had hoodwinked the party. They plotted keeping in sight political reward from BJP.” The fact that Shinde became the CM post Operation Lotus is a testimony to Thackeray’s allegations. As he said, “The party gave everything to Shinde. But he repaid with revolt.”

This is the strong feelings that emerges from posters dotted across the commercial capital of the country.

Another aspect that comes through is the pride with which Thackeray has displayed its newly acquired symbol, flaming torch.

As Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut says, “We have mashal. Our committed sainik knows its power.”

To counter Thackeray’s charge of betrayal, Shinde camp harps on Bal Thackeray ideology.

“We follow the footsteps of Bal Thackeray. We are his sainiks.” The sentiments are voiced by every worker who has joined Shinde camp.

With both sides trying to mobilise support to show their power, stage is set for one-upmanship on the party’s foundation day.

In June 19, 1966 when the late Bal Thackeray founded the Shiv Sena, it was a clarion call to unite Marathi manoos and empower them to fight for their rights. His mantra was 80 per cent social work, 20 per cent politics.

After 57 years, Shiv Sena is split into two parties. Uddhav Thackeray is left with 16 MLAs and seven MPs. Whereas Eknath Shinde, who led the rebellion, had to his side 40 MLAs and 13 MPs.

With Shinde and Thackeray taking their fight to the streets through posters, it remains to be seen which way sainiks will swing to commemorate the foundation day.