The results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections have dealt a nearly fatal blow to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Both the Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP barely managed to cross double digits in terms of seats. However, the biggest setback was suffered by Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT). Former allies have not held back in their criticism, mocking Thackeray with the phrase, “neither did they gain power nor protect their principles.”
Following the humiliating defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, internal discord within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has intensified. Reports suggest that the leaders voicing their dissent now were the ones whose opinions were previously suppressed. These individuals were never in favor of aligning with the Congress, but at the time, Uddhav Thackeray’s decision prevailed, leaving them silent. However, with the MVA’s electoral debacle and the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance sweeping the polls, dissenting voices in Uddhav’s Shiv Sena (UBT) have grown louder, with many urging him to part ways with the coalition.
According to reports from Mumbai, a meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray saw a majority of Shiv Sena (UBT)’s 20 MLAs appealing to him to sever ties with the MVA immediately.
Cadre Absence and Shinde’s Dominance
At the grassroots level, the Shiv Sena (UBT) cadre was noticeably inactive during the elections, in stark contrast to the highly mobilized and motivated workers of the faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Shinde’s narrative, invoking Bal Thackeray’s legacy, resonated with voters, helping his faction establish itself as the rightful heir to the Shiv Sena.
Aditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut Take a Different Stand
Despite mounting pressure, Uddhav Thackeray, along with his son Aditya and spokesperson Sanjay Raut, remains reluctant to heed the calls for breaking away from the MVA. Raut, advocating for opposition unity against the BJP, has emphasized the need to maintain the coalition.
Ignoring the MLAs Once Again?
This has raised questions about whether Uddhav will once again ignore the voices of his party’s elected representatives. Proponents of leaving the MVA argue that it’s time for the Shiv Sena (UBT) to forge its own path and not rely on the support of others. Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, invoked Bal Thackeray’s ideology, stating that the Shiv Sena was never about chasing power but about standing firm on its principles, which, in turn, would naturally bring power.
Electoral Setback and Erosion of Legacy
The MVA’s defeat highlighted a significant voter shift. Shiv Sena (UBT) secured only 9.95% of the vote, nearly 3% less than Eknath Shinde’s faction. This is a steep decline compared to the 16.72% vote share the UBT had achieved during the Lok Sabha elections six months ago. With 20 seats for UBT, 16 for Congress, and 10 for the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), the results underscored the dwindling influence of UBT.
Legacy of Bal Thackeray
Bal Thackeray, the party’s founder, never aspired to hold the Chief Minister’s position, instead choosing to play the role of kingmaker. Highlighting this legacy, Danve argued that severing ties with Congress would strengthen the Shiv Sena (UBT). He added that Shinde’s faction has consistently invoked Bal Thackeray’s name with respect while accusing Uddhav of betraying his father’s Hindutva ideology by aligning with the Congress. This, according to dissenters, has eroded the party’s core support base, culminating in a series of setbacks, including the loss of the Shiv Sena’s traditional election symbol.
The growing discontent within UBT raises questions about the party’s future and whether it will continue to cling to the MVA or chart an independent course.
