How a satirical cartoonist turned regional resentment into a powerful Indian political dynasty
In short: Founded in 1966 by Bal Thackeray, Shiv Sena began as a nativist movement to protect middle-class jobs for Maharashtrians in Mumbai. Over decades, it evolved from an anti-migrant pressure group into a major Hindu nationalist force, eventually splitting into two rival factions that now define Maharashtra’s complex political landscape.
The origins of Shiv Sena lie in the 1960s, when Bal Thackeray, a journalist and cartoonist, used his magazine Marmik to channel local anxieties regarding migrant workers from southern India and Gujarat. Thackeray argued these migrants threatened the economic security of the Marathi-speaking population in Mumbai. Named after the 17th-century Maratha ruler Shivaji, the movement initially focused on regional exclusivity, with followers—known as Shiv Sainiks—often using aggressive tactics to pressure employers into hiring locals.
By the late 1980s, the party’s ideology underwent a significant transformation. As the 'sons of the soil' narrative lost momentum, Shiv Sena pivoted toward a staunchly Hindu nationalist platform, aligning itself with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This shift was solidified by the launch of the party newspaper Samna in 1989. The party’s influence peaked in the 1990s, particularly following the 1992–93 communal riots in Bombay, where the organization was identified by the 1998 Srikrishna Commission as a primary instigator. In 1995, the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance achieved its first state government victory, during which they officially renamed the city Mumbai.
The party’s internal stability fractured in 2022. Following a disagreement over the chief ministership after the 2019 elections, Uddhav Thackeray—Bal Thackeray’s son—broke the long-standing alliance with the BJP to form a coalition with center-left parties. This move alienated Eknath Shinde, who led a revolt of 39 members, arguing the party had abandoned its conservative roots. The resulting split led to a legal battle over the party’s name and symbols. In 2023, the Election Commission of India recognized the Shinde-led faction as the legitimate Shiv Sena, awarding them the traditional 'bow and arrow' symbol, while Uddhav Thackeray’s faction adopted a 'burning torch' to continue their political journey.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Shiv Sena | Political Party in India, Origin, & Facts | Britannica
- Also: Shiv Sena
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