Both factions of the Shiv Sena, led by Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, will celebrate the Shiv Sena's 58th foundation day on Wednesday, June 19. These celebrations come as the state prepares for assembly elections after the monsoon.
Leaders from both groups are expected to pay tribute to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray at his samadhi in Dadar. While the schedule is not yet known, reports suggest that their visits will not overlap.
As per reports, Uddhav Thackeray's faction, Shiv Sena (UBT), will hold an event at Shanmukhananda Hall in Matunga. Party leader Anil Parab said Thackeray will honour recently elected parliamentarians and address party leaders during the event.
Simultaneously, Eknath Shinde’s faction will hold a function at the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) facility in Worli. Shinde has invited party leaders, MLAs, MPs, former corporators, and other officials.
Shiv Sena spokesman Manisha Kayande told the Hindustan Times that the party will start a drive to increase membership on June 19. Newly elected Members of Parliament will also be honoured at the event.
It will also start a campaign to deal with the perception of the separation of the Mahayuti alliance, as highlighted by the recent Lok Sabha elections. The schedule for commemorating the first two years of the Shinde administration will also be announced. Shiv Sena workers will also plan to plant one lakh trees in each district.
Balasaheb Thackeray was a cartoonist before entering politics. He founded the Shiv Sena on June 19, 1966. He delivered his first speech at the inaugural Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park on October 30, 1966. Marathi people's welfare was Thackeray's primary concern at the time, later expanding to Hindutva.