In a dramatic face-off ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, the two rival factions of Shiv Sena—Eknath Shinde’s group and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT)—are gearing up for their annual Dussehra rallies in Mumbai this Saturday. Both factions aim to demonstrate their political strength, with Shinde’s rally set for Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, while Uddhav’s faction will continue the traditional rally at Shivaji Park in Dadar.
Despite heavy rain leaving both venues muddy, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut confirmed that the event would proceed as planned. Shinde’s camp expects a large turnout of around 200,000 attendees, having arranged 3,000 private buses to transport supporters.
Both groups have released teasers ahead of the rallies. Shinde’s teaser portrays a tiger, symbolizing the Sena, breaking free from Congress ties. Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray’s teaser emphasizes protecting Maharashtra’s pride while condemning those he calls “traitors”—a jab at the rebel MLAs who joined Shinde.
Dussehra rallies hold a special place in the party’s history, having been started by Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray in the 1960s at Shivaji Park. Since the party split in 2022, Uddhav’s faction continues to rally at this symbolic location, while Shinde’s faction has moved its event to Azad Maidan.
These rallies are seen as crucial for both sides as the Maharashtra assembly elections draw near, with the current term set to end on November 26.
