Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena withdraws application for Dussehra rally at Mumbai's Shivaji Park

Amid hectic political developments, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena withdrew its application for Dussehra rally at the Shivaji Park at Dadar, paving way for Uddhav Thackeray to address the meeting at the historic venue. 

Both, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena had submitted applications to the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for Shivtirth (Shivaji Park), as the venue for the annual Dussehra rally slated for October 24.

Veteran Shiv Sena leader and MLA Sada Sarvankar had applied for the venue on behalf of the Shinde, senior leader Mahesh Sawant had applied for Shiv Sena (UBT) for their respective Vijaya Dashami rallies.

The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena would have to look for alternate venues - like the Azad Maidan or Cross Maidan.

After the Shiv Sena split, Thackeray addressed the rally at Shivaji Park October 5, 2022 while Shinde addressed the rally from the MMRDA Ground at Bandra-Kurla Complex. However, for this Thackeray’s party had to move the Bombay High Court. 

Sarvankar, in a post on X said that he is withdrawing the application on Shinde’s directive and termed it as a conciliatory move aimed at ensuring the festival is celebrated with enthusiasm.

The Shivaji Park is a matter of prestige for the Shiv Sena - and the annual Dussehra rally is an important event for the party. 

Balasaheb Thackeray who founded the Shiv Sena on June 19, 1966, addressed the first-ever Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park on October 30, 1966.  When he launched the party, the welfare of Marathi-manoos was top on agenda and subsequently they adopted the cause of Hindutva. 

Addressing at the location has been an unbroken record for Balasaheb except for two occasions – in 2006 when because of heavy rains it was not possible and in 2009 because of Vidhan Sabha polls.

A day after Balasaheb passed away on November 17, 2012, his last rites were performed at Shivaji Park. 

After his death, Uddhav has been addressing the rallies from Shivaji Park. 

In 2020, Uddhav addressed the rally virtually while in 2021, it was held at the Shanmukhananda Hall at King’s Circle, because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown and restrictions.

Shinde led the rebellion on June 20, 2022, which led to the split in the Shiv Sena. 

On February 17, 2023, the Election Commission legitimised  Shinde-faction as real Shiv Sena and allotted the bow and arrow symbol to them. On May 11, the Supreme Court had observed that Thackeray's position as Chief Minister cannot be restored as he had resigned before the floor test.  

As of now the cross disqualification petitions filed by the MLAs from both the sides are pending before the Speaker.