The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) appears to be shifting back to its core Hindutva plank following a significant electoral setback in the November 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections. The party, which had adopted a secular stance since 2019, has begun asserting its Hindutva roots to counter declining voter support and regain its traditional base, analysts say.
Over recent weeks, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has launched strong attacks on the Modi government, accusing it of failing to act against atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Uddhav Thackeray also questioned India’s efforts to protect the Hindu community in the neighbouring country.
In a symbolic move, Aaditya Thackeray performed a ‘maha aarti’ at an 80-year-old Hanuman temple near Dadar station in Mumbai, which recently faced a demolition notice from the railways. This has been seen as an attempt to underscore the party’s Hindutva agenda while criticising the BJP on the same grounds.
Further, Milind Narvekar, a close aide of Uddhav Thackeray, posted a photo of the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition on social media alongside the quote, “I am proud of those who did it,” attributed to Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. The move drew sharp criticism, including from the Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra chief Abu Azmi, who announced his party’s withdrawal from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. According to news agency PTI, party insiders and observers suggested that Narvekar would not have posted the message without the knowledge of the party’s leadership.
On Friday, Uddhav Thackeray criticised the Union government for the atrocities committed against Hindus in Bangladesh and demanded to know the steps taken by India to protect the community in the neighboring nation.
Observers believe that these actions represent a shift in the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s policy. In 2019, the party severed ties with its long-time ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and formed an alliance with the Congress and the NCP while maintaining its ‘Marathi manoos’ (sons of the soil) ideology.
Political Analyst Says Secular Image Benefitted Shiv Sena-UBT In Look Sabha Election, But Cost Them Assembly Polls
According to PTI, observers suggest this ideological pivot stems from the party’s poor performance in the assembly elections, where it won only 20 out of 95 seats contested as part of the MVA alliance. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has also faced erosion of its core ‘Marathi manoos’ voter base, particularly in Mumbai. In the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, pending since 2022, the party aims to counter the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena’s influence.
Political analyst Abhay Deshpande noted, “The Shiv Sena (UBT)’s secular stand benefited them in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls by attracting a new voter base. However, the assembly election results showed a loss of their traditional supporters.” He added that the party’s renewed Hindutva focus could appeal to its core voters while helping secure minority votes in areas where Congress is weak, as per PTI.
Ambadas Danve Says Shiv Sena-UBT Never Abandoned Hindutva
Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, denied claims that the party had abandoned Hindutva. “I challenge the opposition to show one instance where we have abandoned Hindutva. Our Hindutva is different; it does not mean hating minorities,” he told PTI.
However, author Prakash Akolkar viewed the shift as a sign of frustration. “In 2019, Uddhav Thackeray admitted mixing religion with politics was a mistake. Now, the party is returning to Hindutva, which indicates a lack of consistent ideology,” Akolkar remarked.
Maharashtra Civic Polls After Shiv Sena-UBT’s Poor Show In Assembly
Most cities in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, will witness civic polls which have been scheduled since early 2022.
The cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) was under the control of the undivided Shiv Sena for 25 years, from 1997 to 2022. In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the Shiv Sena (UBT) managed to win four out of the six seats in Mumbai. A closer examination revealed that the Shiv Sena (UBT) performed poorly in constituencies that traditionally supported its voter base. For instance, in assembly segments like Worli, held by Aaditya Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s lead was less than 7,000 votes.
The ruling BJP has accused the Shiv Sena (UBT) of securing victory through the support of minority voters. The Shiv Sena (UBT)’s ambiguous stance on the Uniform Civil Code and Waqf Board Amendment Bill provided the BJP with an opportunity to criticise its former ally.
