The Tiger and the Butcher’s Knife

Political parties rarely die in a single election. They usually perish the way a mighty tree decays—first losing branches, then roots, and finally the ability to bear fruit. Shiv Sena’s journey over the last six decades resembles a tiger that once ruled the political jungle but now finds itself wounded, divided and surrounded by stronger predators.

When Bal Thackeray founded Shiv Sena on June 19,1966, it was not merely a political organization. It was an emotion, a movement built around Marathi identity, regional pride and the charisma of one man. For decades, the party dominated Mumbai’s civic politics, shaped Maharashtra’s political discourse and eventually became a key partner in national coalitions.

 Having recently crossed the milestone of six decades, the Sena is no longer a united force but two competing political formations.  One controls much of the organization and government machinery, while the other claims the legacy, emotions and ideological inheritance of Balasaheb. The battle is no longer merely electoral; it is a struggle for political survival.

The Split That Changed Everything

The rebellion led by Eknath Shinde in 2022 was arguably the most devastating political blow Shiv Sena has suffered in its sixty-year history.

Unlike ordinary defections, the Shinde revolt carried away a substantial portion of legislators, organizational structures and local networks. More importantly, it deprived Uddhav Thackeray of the advantages that come with being in power.

Political parties can survive electoral defeats. What is far harder to survive is the loss of organizational muscle. The Sena suddenly found itself fighting not only the BJP but also a rival faction carrying the same ideological baggage and claiming to be the authentic heir of Balasaheb.

The result was unprecedented confusion among traditional Sena supporters.

Why Shiv........

© Free Press Journal