Thackeray, Shinde camps go all out to prove who’s the real Sena

Since the rebellion by Eknath Shinde and 39 other Sena MLAs, the Shinde faction is on a spree to poach workers, former and sitting corporators and MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena.

Written by Vallabh Ozarkar

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Mumbai | Updated: July 26, 2022 09:14 AM IST

4 min read

The election commission has asked the two sides to submit documents, including letters of support from the legislative and organisational wings of the party and the written statements of the rival factions, a source said. (File)

With the tussle between two factions of the Shiv Sena — led by Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde – over who controls the original Sena, and thus holds the claim on the party name and its symbol, reaching Election Commission of India (ECI), both the factions are in a race to woo senior leaders and cadre of the organisation and prepare documents of support from them, which would be submitted to the poll panel.

Earlier this week, the Shinde faction had written to the commission seeking allocation of the party’s ‘bow and arrow’ election symbol to it, citing the recognition granted to his grouping in the Lok Sabha and the Maharashtra state Assembly.

Since the rebellion by Shinde and 39 other Sena MLAs, the Shinde faction is on a spree to poach workers, former and sitting corporators and MPs from the Thackeray led Sena.

The move is said to be aimed at ensuring that the split does not limit to only Shiv Sena legislature party but also expand further, which would help the Shinde group stake claim to the party symbol.

While Shinde camp has allegedly started the poaching of workers along with leaders and the elected representatives of Thackeray led Shiv Sena, the latter, in a bid to prove that a majority of party workers and office bearers are still with them, has started a drive of getting “loyalty affidavits” signed from workers besides roping in fresh members.

The Shinde faction has also begun preparing affidavits signed from those who are pledging support to it.

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The documents will play a crucial role when the matter will come up for hearing in front of the ECI to prove which grouping has the numbers with them to claim the party symbol.

Explained | Explained: As Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde battle over Shiv Sena symbol, how will EC decide?

“As per the present scenario, the parliamentary majority seems to be with the Eknath Shinde camp. But it is important to check who controls the organisation of the Sena. Each party has its own Constitution and based on that, majority leaders decide who controls the party. If it really comes to battling out in front of the election commission, then affidavits and membership numbers could prove vital for both the camps. That’s the reason why both camps seem to be concentrating on collecting affidavits of leaders,” said Anant Kalse, former Principal Secretary, Maharashtra legislature. Kalse pointed out that in previous cases involving Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh, a similar principle was followed.

Considering this, the Thackeray led faction has begun membership registration drive to increase the number of its party members even as it tries to keep its flock intact and stop exodus from the party.

Thackeray, who will turn 62 on July 27, said on Sunday that this time he does not want bouquets on his birthday, but bunches of affidavits signed from Sena workers that they trust the party besides registrations of more people as party members.

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“The battle has now reached to the Election Commission of India, claiming that they are the real Shiv Sena. We need not just vigour, but staunch support and registration of people as party members on paper. All of you should now start collecting the affidavits (from party workers) and fill up membership forms. Give the bunches of affidavits and membership forms as a gift this time,” Thackeray said on Sunday while addressing party workers in Sewree.

The Thackeray-led faction, which is struggling to prevent the cadre from being poached by Shinde faction, has been claiming that the latter is using money power as well as force to get the cadre to switch to its side.

A Shinde faction leader, however, said, “Those who are joining us are coming on their own as they know we are the real Shiv Sena of Balasaheb Thackeray.”

Vallabh Ozarkar

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With approximately seven years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

Alok Deshpande

Alok Deshpande is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized for his focused and authoritative reporting on governance, politics, and the socio-economic dynamics of Maharashtra's hinterlands. His unique academic background in Geology and early work in the water sector provides a specialized layer of Expertise to his reporting on resource and environmental issues. Expertise Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai. Core Authority: Alok provides detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, with a particular emphasis on how policies and power struggles affect the rural and semi-urban areas (the 'hinterlands'). Key Coverage Areas: His reports frequently focus on high-stakes administrative and political topics, including: State Assembly Proceedings: In-depth reporting on the Legislative Assembly, covering ministerial statements, legislative debates, and inter-party conflict within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Policy & Finance: Coverage of state finances, including supplementary budget demands, fiscal deficits, and major government schemes (e.g., Jal Jeevan Mission, Ladki Bahin Yojana). Rural and Social Issues: Reports on critical health issues (e.g., child deaths in districts), human-animal conflict (leopard attacks, stray dogs), and agrarian concerns (e.g., farmer suicides). Local and Urban Governance: Covers major announcements regarding urban development (e.g., BMC's OC amnesty scheme, pagdi system push) and local body elections, including political defections and alliance splits. Unique Credentials & Trustworthiness Academic Specialization: Holds a Post-graduate degree in Geology. This background gives him a foundational understanding of natural resources, which directly informs his reporting on environment, water, and infrastructure projects. Early Professional Experience: His shift to journalism came after working with an NGO focused on the water sector. This practical experience strengthens his Expertise in critical areas like water management and rural development, as evidenced by his reporting on the Jal Jeevan Mission. Journalism Training: An alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, confirming his formal training and commitment to rigorous journalistic standards. Alok Deshpande's rare combination of scientific education, non-profit sector experience, and deep political reporting makes him a highly trusted and authoritative voice on the governance and ground realities of Maharashtra. He tweets @alokdesh ... Read More

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Eknath Shinde Election Commission of India Political Pulse shiv sena Uddhav Thackeray