'Real Shiv Sena' War Starts Again Over Dussehra Celebrations At Mumbai's Shivaji Park

A face-off between the two factions of Shiv Sena is brewing as Uddhav-side leader Sanjay Raut said that his camp will lead the Dussehra celebrations at Shivaji Park this year.

Ahead of Dussehra celebrations this year, a Sena versus Sena war seems to be erupting as both factions have yet again applied to hold the annual Dussehra function at iconic Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut meanwhile said there's only one Shiv Sena (being led by Uddhav Thackeray). He said goons are there everywhere and it does not matter if anyone says 'I am real Shiv Sena'. Raut asserted that Uddhav Sena will hold the Dussehra rally in Shivaji Park.

"There is only one Shiv Sena which is under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray, the one which was established by Balasaheb Thackeray. Goons are there everywhere. If someone says I am the real Shiv Sena or NCP or Congress, it does not work like that. If you have power and the election commission, it means you can do whatever you want? Dussehra rally of Shiv Sena will take place in the Shivaji Park..." he said.

A similar battle over who will hold the rally had taken place last year after the party split into two. Both applied for permission to the BMC and the municipal body rejected the request of both parties citing the law and order situation. Uddhav Sena then reached out to Bombay HC which allowed them to celebrate the festival in Shivaji Park.

According to a Mid Day report, Uddhav Sena leader Anil Desai said that they applied for permission long back at the G North ward office and have submitted last year's submission copy as well.

"We have applied long back. Mahesh Sawant, vibhag pramukh, who applied for the permission told me, I don’t remember the exact date. But we filed it more than one and a half months ago at the G North ward office. We also submitted a copy of last year’s permission," Desai was quoted as saying by Mid-Day.

Meanwhile, Shinde Sena MLA Sada Sarwankar has also applied to the BMC G North ward office seeking permission. As per a TOI report, the requests have been sent to BMC's legal department for an opinion. This year Dussehra will be observed on October 24.

However, what is important to note is that in 2022, the Election Commission had not recognised who the real Shiv Sena is, but earlier this year, EC held that Shinde Sena is the real Shiv Sena. Now, it is to be seen if the matter is reaches the legal corridors yet again or if the BMC handles it on its own.