After the bitter split in Shiv Sena in June 2022, Eknath Shinde’s faction emerged victorious in the Maharashtra assembly elections. Shinde’s group won 57 of the 81 seats it contested, defeating Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), which won just 20 of the 95 seats it contested. This result strengthens Shinde’s claim as the true heir of Shiv Sena’s legacy.
Shinde’s Strong Position
The victory not only boosts Shinde’s political standing but also reinforces his faction’s position as a key ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The split in 2022 saw Shinde take 40 MLAs and some independents, leading to the fall of Thackeray’s government. Shinde then formed a new government with the BJP and became Chief Minister.
Sena vs Sena Battle
In the assembly elections, Shinde’s faction won 27 out of 39 seats contested against the Uddhav faction, which secured only 12. In the Lok Sabha elections, Shinde’s faction won 7 out of 13 seats, while Uddhav’s faction won 6. This outcome has made Shinde’s claim to the Shiv Sena legacy even stronger.
Key Factors Behind Shinde’s Success
Several factors contributed to Shinde’s victory. He introduced the Ladki Bahin Yojana, a welfare program for women, offering ₹1,500 per month to women from economically weaker sections. Additionally, Shinde implemented various welfare schemes for different communities. His aggressive campaign highlighted the financial benefits his government had offered, urging voters not to forfeit them by choosing the MVA alliance.
Building a Relatable Image
Initially, Shinde was seen as a regional leader with limited appeal. However, he worked hard to build an image as an accessible leader. By presenting himself as a “common man,” he stood in contrast to Uddhav Thackeray, who was often seen as distant and hard to approach.
Strengthening Regional Support
Shinde also took strategic steps to consolidate support in key regions. He ensured his faction faced little opposition in Thane and the Konkan belt by incorporating former Thackeray faction leaders into his party. His son, Shrikant Shinde, played a crucial role in expanding the faction’s presence in Mumbai.
Analyst’s Perspective
Prakash Akolkar, a political analyst, believes this victory has solidified Shinde’s claim to Shiv Sena’s ideology. He also predicts more challenges for Uddhav Thackeray, who now faces difficulties in retaining support from his MLAs. With the Election Commission recognizing Shinde’s faction as the legitimate Shiv Sena, Thackeray will have to navigate a tougher political landscape moving forward.