Shiv Sena vs Sena (UBT) on foundation day: Shinde, Thackeray spar as rebel MPs stay away

The deep rift within the Shiv Sena was starkly evident as rival factions led by Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray held separate celebrations for the party's 60th foundation anniversary. The dueling events underscore the ongoing defection drama with national political implications.

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I would be happy if someone from the party ranks becomes the next Shiv Sena president, but I will not let it pass on into the hands of thieves.

At a rally in Sion, Uddhav Thackeray emotionally declared his willingness to step down if the party lacked faith in his leadership. "I would be happy if someone from the party ranks becomes the next Shiv Sena president, but I will not let it pass on into the hands of thieves," he stated, asserting his resolve to fight despite challenges.

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If the allegations being levelled against me are true, then I am ready to step down. I have no lust for leadership.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde taunted Thackeray, daring him to take action against six rebel Lok Sabha MPs who had defied the party whip. Shinde suggested these defections were merely a "trailer of a longer film," hinting at more political maneuvering to come. He recounted his own departure, mentioning threats he faced.

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If you have guts do it, but our men will give a befitting reply...They abuse their MPs in the morning and take a different stand in the evening.

The defiance by the six MPs – Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Sanjay Dina Patil, and Omraje Nimbalkar – marks a significant escalation. They have reportedly proposed forming a separate grouping and fear the party might merge with the Congress. Their expected merger with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena follows similar political splits in Maharashtra involving the Nationalist Congress Party and the Trinamool Congress in other states.

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When I left, I was threatened with an attack and was told that I will have to pass through Worli (the constituency of Aaditya Thackeray). A helicopter was kept ready for me, but I took the road and passed through Worli.