DCM Eknath Shinde Sidesteps Sena Merger Talk, Cites People’s Mandate

Mumbai: DCM Eknath Shinde sidestepped and downplayed talks of a merger of the two Shiv Senas, saying that it was his Shiv Sena that is carrying forward the ideology of Shiv Sena founder, late Bal Thackeray. Shinde said that his Sena had the people’s mandate. Shinde was responding to questions after talk of the two Senas coming together was triggered by statements of Sena MLA Abdul Sattar and Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve. Shinde avoided giving any direct reply to questions of any possibility of a rapprochement between the Sea factions led by him and Uddhav Thackeray. Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that the real Shiv Sena was with Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and the Shinde led Sena was actually a sister concern set up by BJP’s Amit Shah.“We are moving forward, upholding the ideology of Balasaheb—the ideology of Hindutva. We have successfully established a govt that truly reflects the aspirations of the common people of Maharashtra—not just once, but twice. Furthermore, in these local self-govt bodies as well, the people of Maharashtra have bestowed their blessings upon the Sena, upon the ‘Bow and Arrow’ symbol, upon the ideals of Balasaheb and Anand Dighe, and upon the tireless efforts of our dedicated grassroots workers. Consequently, our sweet taste of victory shall continue,” Shinde said.Shinde was speaking after Mahayuti candidate Ravindra Phatak filed his nomination from Thane-Palghar for the MLC polls on Monday.While Danve said the BJP is trying to finish off the Sena and gave an analogy of big fish eating small fish, Sattar said that while the BJP has cut the hands and legs of the Sena (UBT), it has chopped off the head of Sena in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.“If you (Abdul Sattar) claim BJP is bringing about the end of the Sena, then you—and those leaders of yours who are currently serving alongside the BJP as their mere lackeys—must first address the question of what has become of your own self-respect and identity. You need to speak to your leaders; specifically, Abdul Sattar must confirm his leader—who serves as the leader of his faction—regarding his actions that are driving Maharashtra into the abyss, and you must publicly articulate a clear stance on this matter,” Raut said.