19 June,2026 11:28 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. File Pic
The rival Shiv Sena factions led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray marked the party's foundation day separately on Friday, underscoring the continuing political divide that has shaped Maharashtra politics since the split in 2022.
The celebrations this year assumed added significance amid heightened speculation surrounding the alleged "Operation Tiger" and reports that a section of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could be considering a shift to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Both factions organised events and displayed banners and posters across Mumbai as they sought to assert their claim over the party's legacy and political base.
Posters and banners put up by both factions dominated several prominent locations in Mumbai, including Bandra, Kalanagar and the Matoshree area.
The visual display highlighted the ongoing rivalry between the two camps, which have remained locked in political and legal battles since the Shiv Sena split nearly three years ago.
Leaders and workers from both sides used the occasion to celebrate the party's foundation day while reiterating their commitment to the ideals of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
The separate celebrations reflected the continuing efforts by both factions to strengthen their organisational presence and political identity.
This year's celebrations come against the backdrop of growing political speculation over an alleged "Operation Tiger."
The term has been used in recent days to describe reports suggesting that several MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) are in touch with leaders from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and could join the ruling alliance.
The speculation has dominated Maharashtra's political discourse and triggered a series of meetings, statements and disciplinary measures within the Shiv Sena (UBT).
The party leadership has repeatedly denied reports of a formal split while taking steps against MPs who skipped a recent parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi.
The latest round of speculation gained momentum after Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi claimed that six MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) had expressed confidence in Eknath Shinde and aligned themselves with his faction.
The claim has not been officially confirmed by the MPs concerned.
Leaders from the Uddhav Thackeray camp have challenged such assertions and maintained that reports of large-scale defections are being exaggerated.
The conflicting claims have added to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s parliamentary wing.
The current political rivalry traces its roots to 2022 when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray's leadership and walked away with a large number of Shiv Sena MLAs.
The revolt resulted in the division of the undivided Shiv Sena and triggered a prolonged political and legal battle over the party's name, symbol and organisational control.
Subsequently, the Election Commission recognised the Eknath Shinde-led faction as the official Shiv Sena and allotted it the party's traditional bow-and-arrow symbol.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction was recognised as Shiv Sena (UBT) and received a separate party symbol.
Even after the formal split, both factions have continued to claim that they represent the ideology and legacy of Bal Thackeray.
The foundation day celebrations provided another opportunity for the rival camps to showcase their political strength and reinforce their respective narratives.
For the Shinde faction, the event came amid claims that more leaders and MPs could join its ranks. For the Uddhav Thackeray camp, it served as a platform to project unity and counter reports of defections.
With the controversy surrounding the alleged "Operation Tiger" still unfolding, the battle between the two Shiv Sena factions is expected to remain at the centre of Maharashtra politics in the days ahead.
(With inputs from ANI)
