Uddhav Thackeray Throws Down the Gauntlet: Challenges Shinde and Maharashtra Speaker to Public Debate in Sena vs Sena Showdown

Uddhav Thackeray Challenges Shinde and Maharashtra Speaker to Public Debate Amidst Shiv Sena Turmoil

In the ongoing power struggle within Shiv Sena, Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), threw down the gauntlet on Tuesday, challenging Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar to a public debate on the authenticity of their respective factions as the true Shiv Sena.

This bold move by Thackeray comes on the heels of his decision to approach the Supreme Court against Narwekar’s recent ruling, which declared Shinde’s faction as the legitimate Shiv Sena. Thackeray, addressing the media in Mumbai, expressed his trust and respect for the judiciary but emphasized that he was now taking the battle to the “people’s court.”

“Some people say I should not have resigned. I didn’t want to stay. We know what happened after that. The Governor had called an unconstitutional session. He was part of the conspiracy. This battle is now to decide whether there will be democracy in the country,” declared Thackeray during the briefing.

On January 10, Narwekar had adjudged Shinde’s faction as the real Shiv Sena, asserting that Thackeray had no authority to remove Shinde as the legislature party leader, citing the party’s constitution.

“If I was not the chief of Shiv Sena, why did the BJP take my signature for support in 2014 and 2019 after the Lok Sabha elections?” questioned Thackeray, defending his position.

Referring to BJP Chief Nadda’s past statement about only one party remaining in the country, Thackeray implied a coordinated effort to weaken Shiv Sena and other political opponents. He alluded to the events in Sharad Pawar’s NCP last year, where a vertical split resulted in Ajit Pawar joining Shinde’s government as the deputy chief minister.

Responding to Thackeray’s remarks, Maharashtra Speaker Narwekar alleged efforts to spread misinformation about his verdict. “Efforts are being made to spread misunderstanding about the verdict I have given. They have passed remarks against the Supreme Court, Speaker, Governor, and Election Commission. It seems they (Shiv Sena-UBT) don’t trust any institution,” remarked Narwekar.

The power struggle within Shiv Sena came to the forefront in 2022 when Shinde, backed by 50 MLAs, rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray. Seeking support from the BJP, Shinde staked a claim to form the government, leading to a Supreme Court-ordered floor test. Thackeray resigned before facing the test, and Shinde subsequently became the Chief Minister. In February of the following year, the Election Commission allotted the bow and arrow symbol to the Shinde faction. The current challenges and debates reflect the continued instability within the party and its leadership.