The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) criticized Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for asserting that the Maharashtra local body polls have settled the debate on the “real” Shiv Sena. In an intense editorial in ‘Saamana’, the Thackeray camp disputed this claim, emphasizing that the true identity of Shiv Sena is recognized by the people of the state. The editorial highlighted a rift over the party’s symbol and identity, suggesting that the dispute remains unresolved.
Eknath Shinde was accused of taking credit for the work attributed to the genuine Shiv Sena members, a claim dismissed as hollow by the editorial. The piece alleged that the party’s success in various elections is not a result of its own merit but rather due to external influences. It mentioned a pending Supreme Court case regarding the party’s symbol and identity, with a final hearing scheduled for January 21, 2026.
The editorial raised concerns about the integrity of the local body election results, alleging manipulation and lack of transparency in the electoral process. It criticized the ruling party for allegedly influencing outcomes through unfair means and questioned the legitimacy of the victories. The piece also highlighted a shift in focus towards the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, set for January 15, amid ongoing political tensions in Maharashtra.
