Dussehra Rallies Intensify Shiv Sena Rivalry

In a significant political display ahead of Maharashtra's assembly elections, the rival Shiv Sena factions led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray are holding separate Dussehra rallies in Mumbai. Thackeray's faction will gather at Shivaji Park, a venue historically tied to the Shiv Sena since the 1960s, while Shinde's group will meet at Azad Maidan. Both factions released teasers highlighting their claims to Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy, with the UBT faction focusing on Maharashtra's pride and the Shinde faction promoting their commitment to Hindutva. Heavy rains have muddied both venues, but the rallies will proceed with large crowds expected. The political tension is heightened by the upcoming elections and the internal splits within major parties, including the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party. These rallies are seen as critical in setting the tone for what is anticipated to be a fiercely contested electoral battle in Maharashtra.