
In a fresh wave of political friction, Shinde Sena launched a sharp attack against Uddhav Thackeray’s faction of Shiv Sena on September 29, 2024. The conflict erupted over Thackeray’s party backing a candidate who is facing strong backlash from Maratha groups.
The Maratha community, a significant vote bank in Maharashtra, has been vocal in its opposition to this candidate due to his controversial stance on Maratha reservations. The Maratha Kranti Morcha, a prominent advocacy group, has been staging protests, accusing the candidate of failing to support the community’s demands for quotas in education and employment.
Shinde Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, seized the moment to criticize Uddhav’s decision, accusing him of betraying the Maratha cause. The intra-party conflict between the two Sena factions has been intensifying in recent months, with the Maratha issue becoming a pivotal battleground.
With state elections around the corner, both factions are trying to win over the Maratha vote, which could play a decisive role. Political analysts suggest that this clash could reshape the balance of power in Maharashtra, as both sides work to position themselves as true champions of Maratha rights.