Shiv Sena Workers Clash at Bal Thackeray Memorial

Workers of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Shiv Sena UBT of Uddhav Thackeray came face to face and shouted slogans against each other at the memorial of party founder late Bal Thackeray.

Workers of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Shiv Sena UBT of Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday came face to face and shouted slogans against each other at the memorial of party founder late Bal Thackeray, whose 11th death anniversary will be observed on Friday. The crowd was dispersed by police, an official said.

Sena workers shouted slogans

While workers of the Shiv Sena shouted that the party belongs to them, those owing allegiance to Uddhav Thackeray responded with traitors go back slogans. The incident took place after Chief Minister Shinde arrived at the memorial at Shivaji Park in Dadar to pay tribute to Bal Thackeray.

Maintaining law and order is everyone's responsibility

Maintaining law and order is everyones responsibility. I pay homage a day earlier to ensure there is no law and order problems. I condemn the attempt to disrupt peace, Shinde said. After I left, Shiv Sena UBT leaders Anil Desai and Anil Parab came with supporters and shouted slogans against me, An unnecessary attempt was made to disrupt peace, he added.

Earlier, speaking to reporters

Earlier, speaking to reporters, the CM said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had fulfilled the late Shiv Sena founders dream of constructing a Ram Temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. It will be inaugurated on the eve of late Bal Thackerays birth anniversary, he pointed out. Thackeray was born on January 23 in 1926, while the idol consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will take place on January 22. Shinde said his government was working to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of Bal Thackeray.

Shiv Sena split

The Shiv Sena split in June last year following a rebellion by Shinde and both factions have since been trying to claim the legacy of Bal Thackeray, reverentially called Hinduhriday Samrat by supporters. Meanwhile, an official said Joint Commissioner of Police Law and Order Satyanarayan Choudhary and additional commissioners of all regions in the city are at the spot to maintain and law and order. A large contingent of police has been stationed at Shivaji Park to maintain law and order, he added.

The clash between workers of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Shiv Sena UBT of Uddhav Thackeray at the memorial of party founder late Bal Thackeray is a reflection of the deep divisions within the party. The incident also highlights the challenge of maintaining law and order in Mumbai, which has been rocked by political violence in the past.