Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has described the recent clash between party workers and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction at Bal Thackeray’s memorial as a ‘trailer’. According to Raut, the incident gives a glimpse of what lies ahead in the run-up to the 2024 national and Maharashtra elections. Raut addressed a press conference where he accused the Shinde-led Sena of betraying the party and its founding leader Bal Thackeray’s ideals. He also referred to Shinde as ‘Vibhishan’, comparing him to the character from the Indian epic Ramayana.

Raut highlighted that the clash at Shivaji Park was between loyalists of the Sena and the ‘slaves’ of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He questioned the loyalty of those who had previously backstabbed the party and ideals of Bal Thackeray, stating that they cannot be considered as true Shiv Sainiks. Raut specifically referred to the revolt in the party last year led by Shinde, which resulted in a split within the party and the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.

The clash between rival factions of the Sena took place at Bal Thackeray’s memorial on the eve of his 11th death anniversary. Raut emphasized that those who are loyal to Bal Thackeray’s ideals are the true Shiv Sainiks, adding that their opposition to traitors is a glimpse of what can be expected in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.

In response, CM Shinde issued a statement blaming the rival Sena for the ruckus and stating that his group had chosen to pay respects at the memorial to avoid any law and order situation.