
Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray has emphasized the unity of the Muslim community with his party while reaffirming his own staunch Hindu identity. Addressing the delicate balance between religious affiliations and political ideologies, Thackeray declared, “The Muslim community is coming with us. I ask them, don’t you know that I am the party chief of Shiv Sena and the son of a ‘Hindu Hriday Samrat’.”
With a clear delineation between his version of Hindutva and that of the BJP, Thackeray sought to elucidate the distinction. He highlighted the perspective that his Hindutva ethos aims to kindle the flame of prosperity within households, rather than engulfing them in flames of discord. “Your Hindutva burns the stove in our house and the Hindutva of the BJP burns the house,” Thackeray articulated, encapsulating the perceived contrast.
Historically rooted in nativist and regionalist sentiments, Shiv Sena emerged as a fervent advocate for the interests of the native Marathi-speaking population of Maharashtra. Founded on the principles of Hindutva, the party espoused a strong pro-Hindu stance, often characterized by aggressive rhetoric against religious minorities, particularly Muslims. Under the leadership of Balasaheb Thackeray, the party maintained close ties with right-wing Hindu nationalist organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Its agenda prioritized issues such as Marathi pride, regional autonomy, and cultural preservation, alongside a pro-poor and anti-corruption stance.
The emergence of the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, led by Uddhav Thackeray, marked a departure from the party’s traditional ideology, particularly in its relationship with the BJP. This faction is characterized by a more pragmatic and centrist approach, willing to form alliances beyond its traditional Hindutva base. Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership has seen a shift towards a more inclusive agenda, emphasizing social welfare programs and developmental initiatives for all communities, irrespective of religious affiliations. The Shiv Sena (UBT) faction’s decision to break away from its long-standing alliance with the BJP and form a coalition government with ideologically different parties like the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party reflects its willingness to prioritize governance over strict adherence to Hindutva ideology.