By | Arvind Jadhav
🟡 Historic Day for Shiv Sena
Mumbai: The Supreme Court of India is set to deliver a crucial verdict today in the long-running battle between Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and former CM Uddhav Thackeray over the official ownership of the Shiv Sena party name and its iconic bow and arrow election symbol. The decision is expected to end a two-year-long political and legal confrontation that began with the party’s dramatic split in 2022.
🟡 Background of the Sena Split
The rift within Shiv Sena erupted in June 2022 when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion with over 40 MLAs, claiming the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray’s Hindutva ideology. The revolt brought down the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, led by Uddhav Thackeray. Since then, both factions have claimed to be the “real” Shiv Sena, leading to multiple petitions before the Election Commission and the Supreme Court.
In February 2023, the Election Commission recognized Eknath Shinde’s faction as the official Shiv Sena, granting it the party’s name and symbol — a decision challenged by the Thackeray group in the Supreme Court.
🟡 Court’s Observations and Expectations
A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, had earlier reserved its judgment after extensive hearings. The bench examined critical questions about party identity, internal democracy, anti-defection law, and the ECI’s powers to decide which faction represents a political party.
Legal experts believe today’s verdict will clarify the constitutional limits of the Election Commission’s authority and the Speaker’s role under the Tenth Schedule.
🟡 Political Stakes and Fallout
The outcome of this judgment carries massive political implications in Maharashtra. A verdict favoring Eknath Shinde would further strengthen the current state government and the BJP alliance, while a decision in favor of Uddhav Thackeray could reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2026 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Both factions have already prepared for post-verdict strategies, as party workers across Maharashtra await clarity on their political identity and leadership.
🟡 Nation Watches as Verdict Nears
Security has been tightened outside the Supreme Court and Shiv Sena offices in Mumbai as supporters from both sides are expected to gather. Regardless of the outcome, today’s decision will go down as a landmark moment in India’s political history — defining how courts interpret party ownership, internal rebellion, and the democratic will within political organizations.
