In a sharp escalation of political rhetoric ahead of Maharashtra’s upcoming local body elections, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched a scathing attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, declaring that “even his shadow may not remain with him” after the polls. The remark, made during a rally in Nashik on October 3, 2025, signals intensifying hostilities between the two rival Sena factions as they battle for grassroots dominance across the state.
Shinde, who leads the Shiv Sena faction aligned with the BJP, accused Uddhav of betraying Bal Thackeray’s ideology and losing touch with the party’s traditional voter base. “The people of Maharashtra have seen through the drama. After the local body elections, I doubt if even his shadow will remain with him,” Shinde said, drawing loud cheers from party workers.
The comment has sparked a fresh war of words between the two camps, with Uddhav loyalists calling it “undignified” and “desperate.” However, political analysts view it as a calculated move by Shinde to consolidate his hold over rural and semi-urban constituencies where the original Shiv Sena brand still carries emotional weight.
Maharashtra Local Body Polls – Political Landscape Overview
| Party/Faction | Key Leader | Strategy for Local Polls | Strongholds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shiv Sena (Shinde) | Eknath Shinde | BJP alliance, Hindutva + development | Thane, Konkan, parts of Vidarbha |
| Shiv Sena (UBT) | Uddhav Thackeray | Legacy appeal, anti-BJP stance | Mumbai suburbs, Marathwada |
| BJP | Devendra Fadnavis | Infrastructure, governance narrative | Urban centres, Pune, Nagpur |
| NCP (Sharad Pawar) | Sharad Pawar | Farmer issues, cooperative sector | Western Maharashtra |
| Congress | Nana Patole | Youth outreach, anti-incumbency pitch | North Maharashtra, tribal belts |
Shinde’s remarks come amid a series of defections from Uddhav’s camp to the ruling alliance, especially in municipal corporations and zilla parishads. The Shinde-led Sena has been aggressively campaigning with BJP support, showcasing infrastructure projects, welfare schemes, and law-and-order improvements.
Uddhav Thackeray, meanwhile, has been holding town hall meetings and padayatras to reconnect with the grassroots. In a recent speech in Aurangabad, he said, “They may have taken the name, but we carry the soul of Shiv Sena. The people will decide who truly represents Balasaheb’s vision.”
Key Issues Dominating Local Body Elections in Maharashtra
| Issue Category | Voter Concern | Party Positions |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Infrastructure | Roads, drainage, waste management | BJP-Shinde alliance promises upgrades |
| Water Supply | Shortages in rural belts | Congress and NCP highlight failures |
| Unemployment | Lack of jobs for youth | UBT Sena promises skill centres |
| Farmer Welfare | MSP, crop insurance, irrigation | NCP and Congress push agrarian agenda |
| Civic Governance | Corruption, transparency | All parties promise clean administration |
The local body polls, scheduled for November 2025, will cover over 20 municipal corporations, 30 zilla parishads, and hundreds of panchayat samitis. These elections are seen as a precursor to the 2029 Assembly battle, with each party testing its grassroots machinery and voter connect.
Shinde’s comment about Uddhav’s “shadow” has also triggered reactions on social media, with hashtags like #ShindeVsUddhav, #MaharashtraPolls2025, and #SenaSplit trending across Twitter/X, Facebook, and YouTube.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Shinde’s Remarks
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.4M mentions | 78% polarized | #ShindeVsUddhav #SenaSplit |
| 1.2M interactions | 80% engaged | #MaharashtraPolls2025 #ThackerayLegacy | |
| 950K views | 85% strategic | #PoliticalLeadership #GrassrootsBattle | |
| YouTube | 890K views | 82% reflective | #ShindeExplained #SenaWar |
Political observers believe the rhetoric will intensify as polling day nears. “Shinde is trying to delegitimize Uddhav’s claim to the Sena legacy. It’s a battle of symbolism as much as votes,” said Dr. Anjali Deshmukh, a political scientist at Mumbai University.
The Election Commission has issued guidelines to ensure fair campaigning and prevent inflammatory speeches. However, both factions continue to invoke Bal Thackeray’s legacy, each claiming to be the true inheritor of his ideology.
Shiv Sena Split – Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event Description | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| June 2022 | Eknath Shinde leads rebellion against Uddhav | Cites deviation from Hindutva |
| July 2022 | Shinde sworn in as CM with BJP support | Uddhav resigns, Sena splits |
| Feb 2023 | EC recognizes Shinde faction as official Sena | Uddhav loses party name and symbol |
| Aug 2024 | Uddhav launches new symbol and campaign | Rebuilds party from grassroots |
| Oct 2025 | Shinde targets Uddhav ahead of local polls | Signals aggressive electoral push |
In conclusion, Eknath Shinde’s pointed attack on Uddhav Thackeray ahead of Maharashtra’s local body elections reflects the deepening rivalry between the two Sena factions. As both leaders invoke legacy, loyalty, and leadership, the voters will ultimately decide whose shadow truly remains in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available political statements, verified media reports, and official election data. It does not constitute endorsement or prediction of any electoral outcome. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. Readers are advised to follow official Election Commission updates for verified information.
