Shiv Sena's 59th Anniversary: Thackeray and Shinde Hold Separate Celebrations

The 59th anniversary of the Shiv Sena party is being marked today with enthusiasm and fanfare across Maharashtra. Both factions of the party — one led by Uddhav Thackeray and the other by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde — are holding grand celebrations to assert their leadership and legacy.

This is the third consecutive year that the Shiv Sena’s Foundation Day is being commemorated separately following the party's split in 2022. Each group has organized its own program in Mumbai, with distinct venues and agendas, as they compete to claim the true spirit of Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena.

Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena will host its anniversary celebrations at the iconic Shanmukhanand Hall, a venue symbolic of the party's roots. As in previous years, the program will feature a large gathering of Shiv Sainiks along with party leaders, including MLAs, MPs, district chiefs, and liaison officers.

The event will begin with a cultural performance and will be followed by speeches from key party leaders. Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare, senior leader Bhaskar Jadhav, MP Sanjay Raut, and party president Uddhav Thackeray are scheduled to address the gathering. Uddhav Thackeray is expected to deliver his speech around 7:30 PM.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction will celebrate the occasion at the Dome NSCI Auditorium in Worli. The program is set to commence at 5 PM with a cultural performance by noted artist Nandesh Umap.

Following the performance, there will be an interview session with MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde, the Chief Minister’s son, providing insights into the party’s future vision. Speeches by senior leaders including Jyoti Waghmare, Gulabrao Patil, and Ramdas Kadam will follow. Eknath Shinde is expected to deliver the keynote address at approximately 8:30 PM.

Today’s dual events are not just celebrations but also a demonstration of each faction’s strength and influence. While both claim to be the ideological successor of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, the continued division has deeply polarized the party’s base.

As both groups attempt to outshine each other with cultural showcases, political messaging, and large turnouts, all eyes remain on whose “cannon” will fire louder in the hearts of Shiv Sainiks.