The 60th foundation day of the Shiv Sena has turned into a major political spectacle in Mumbai, with both factions of the party organizing separate events and showcasing their strength. The occasion, which marks six decades since the party was founded by Balasaheb Thackeray, is being observed amid heightened political tension and ongoing rivalry between the two camps. The split within the party, which deepened after the 2022 political upheaval, continues to define Maharashtra’s political landscape. One faction is led by Uddhav Thackeray, while the other is led by Eknath Shinde. Both groups are holding parallel celebrations in Mumbai, turning the anniversary into a display of political strength rather than a unified commemoration. On one side, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction has organized a major gathering at Shanmukhanand Hall in Matunga, where party leaders are expected to address workers and reiterate their political stance. On the other side, the Shinde faction has arranged a large-scale event at the NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon, where Eknath Shinde is scheduled to address supporters. The political atmosphere in Mumbai has intensified further due to recent defections and internal realignments within the party structure. Reports of six MPs switching allegiance have added to the ongoing tensions, leading to aggressive poster campaigns across the city. In several areas, rival posters have emerged, with each faction claiming to be the true inheritor of the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray. Mumbai Police have reportedly stepped up security arrangements and monitoring to ensure law and order during the events, given the possibility of verbal clashes and supporter confrontations. The 60th foundation day has thus become a symbolic battleground for legitimacy, identity, and political legacy, reflecting the continuing division within one of Maharashtra’s most influential regional parties.


