19 June,2026 11:50 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
Marking the Shiv Sena's 60th anniversary, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday said the party has survived repeated attempts to weaken and divide it over the past six decades and asserted that its foundations remain rooted in sacrifice, public service and ideology.
In an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the party said several efforts had been made over the years to fracture the Shiv Sena, but maintained that the organisation built by late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had endured every challenge.
The editorial comes at a time when the party is facing fresh political turbulence amid reports of possible defections by some of its Lok Sabha MPs.
Reflecting on the party's journey, the editorial said Shiv Sena had faced numerous attempts to undermine its strength since its inception.
"Over the last six decades, multiple attempts have been made to tear apart and fracture the Shiv Sena, driven purely by the constant fear the party instils in its opponents. Many rival 'Senas' emerged and dissolved during this period, but the foundation and pinnacle built by Balasaheb Thackeray remained unshaken," the editorial said.
Without directly referring to the current political developments involving some party MPs, the editorial suggested that organisations created for political convenience lacked the ideological foundations of the original Shiv Sena.
The editorial drew a distinction between the Shiv Sena's origins and what it described as politically motivated splinter groups.
"Even today, though imitation outfits driven by a commercial mindset continue to mushroom, the establishment of the Shiv Sena was never a commercial transaction. The Sena chief never allowed it to become one," it said.
The editorial further stated that individuals viewed as opportunists had periodically been removed from the organisation to preserve its ideological character and organisational culture.
According to the party, Shiv Sena evolved as a movement rooted in Marathi identity and Hindutva while maintaining a strong connection with ordinary citizens.
The editorial highlighted the role played by Shiv Sena's network of local shakhas and party workers in addressing civic and social issues.
"The Shiv Sena taught the Marathi man to stand tall with self-respect. It instilled the confidence in their hearts and wrists to declare, 'This Mumbai is mine'," the editorial said.
It claimed the party created a large grassroots structure that assisted people with everyday issues ranging from civic disputes and school admissions to healthcare and public welfare concerns.
According to the editorial, Shiv Sena workers consistently responded to emergencies, accidents and crises, making the organisation a significant social and political force in Maharashtra.
The Thackeray camp also referred to instances of leaders leaving the party over the years and described them as acts of betrayal motivated by political ambition.
"Since its inception, individuals driven by severe political ambition have stabbed the party in the back. The Shiv Sena has reached this milestone by absorbing all these blows on its back -- as none of its adversaries ever had the courage to confront it face-to-face," the editorial said.
Recalling a statement attributed to Bal Thackeray, it added, "So many wounds have been inflicted on my back that there is no space left to take a new one."
The comments are likely to be viewed in the context of the current speculation over a possible split within the party's parliamentary ranks.
The editorial credited the party's social and political work for its rise from a regional movement to a major political force.
It claimed that Shiv Sena had transformed ordinary workers into councillors, legislators, MPs and ministers through its organisational strength and public outreach.
"Only the Shiv Sena could pull off the miracle of turning the most ordinary citizens into MLAs, MPs, and Ministers, making the party the crowning glory of Maharashtra's pride," it said.
The party argued that its electoral success was built on years of grassroots engagement and public service.
The editorial also reiterated the party's commitment to Hindutva and nationalism, describing these as core pillars of its ideology.
"Whether it was the battle for Malanggad or Ayodhya, the Shiv Sena sacrificed immensely in the great ritual fire of Hindutva. Have today's counterfeit champions of Hindutva achieved even a fraction of that work?" it asked.
The editorial further stated that the party has consistently upheld the principle of "Nation First" and would continue to do so.
Concluding on a symbolic note as the organisation entered its 60th year, the editorial asserted that despite political challenges, defections and rival claims, the Shiv Sena's legacy and identity would endure.
"The Shiv Sena is immortal," the editorial said.
