Mumbai: After Election Commission of India recognized the faction led by Eknath Shinde as real Shiv Sena and granted it the party’s name and election symbol, a bitter conflict emerged between the Shinde and Uddhav factions.
The fight revolved around movable and immovable assets, including control over the party’s bank accounts. However, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde has taken a significant step to resolve the issue.
Decision to end political tussle
In a move to ease tensions and set a positive example, Shinde had decided not to claim the funds that were deposited in Shiv Sena’s bank accounts before 2022. This decision came as a relief to the Uddhav faction, Shiv Sena (UBT), which has been facing financial challenges since the party’s split.
According to sources, Shinde faction has formally communicated to Shiv Sena (UBT) that they will not pursue claims over the money deposited before the party’s division. This decision ensured that the funds in accounts opened in the name of Shiv Sena prior to 2022 will remain with the Uddhav faction.
Background of conflict
The division in Shiv Sena took place on June 20, 2022, when Eknath Shinde, along with 39 MLAs, rebelled against the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray. The rebel faction formed an alliance with the BJP and established a government with Shinde as the Chief Minister.
The split led to a legal battle, with both factions filing petitions against each other under the anti-defection law. The matter eventually reached the Supreme Court. Following the Election Commission’s decision, the Shinde faction was officially recognized as the real Shiv Sena and was awarded the party’s election symbol.
