Shiv Sena
Shiv Sena is a major regional political party based in Maharashtra. It was founded by Bal Thackeray in 1966 and became a major force in Maharashtra politics. Following the 2022 split, the Election Commission of India recognised the Eknath Shinde-led group as Shiv Sena and allotted it the Bow and Arrow symbol.
Party President
Party History
- 1966Shiv Sena founded
Bal Thackeray founded Shiv Sena on 19 June 1966 in Mumbai, initially focusing strongly on the political and employment interests of Marathi-speaking people.
- 1966Marathi regional movement
The party emerged as a major force in Mumbai's Marathi regional political movement.
- 1970Expansion in Maharashtra
Shiv Sena expanded its organisational network and political influence across Maharashtra.
- 1989First major Lok Sabha presence
Shiv Sena began building a sustained parliamentary presence through its alliance with the BJP.
- 1995First Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government
The Shiv Sena-BJP alliance won the Maharashtra Assembly election and Manohar Joshi became Chief Minister.
- 1995Maharashtra government
Shiv Sena led the state government in alliance with the BJP from 1995 to 1999.
- 1999Return to opposition
The Shiv Sena-BJP alliance lost the Maharashtra Assembly election and the party returned to opposition.
- 2004National alliance with BJP
Shiv Sena continued as one of the BJP's principal allies in Maharashtra and at the Union level.
- 2014Strong Lok Sabha performance
Shiv Sena won 18 Lok Sabha seats in the 2014 general election.
- 2014Maharashtra coalition government
Shiv Sena joined the BJP-led Maharashtra government after the 2014 Assembly election.
- 2019Assembly election and alliance break
After the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly election, Shiv Sena broke with the BJP and formed the Maha Vikas Aghadi government with Congress and NCP.
- 2019Uddhav Thackeray becomes Chief Minister
Uddhav Thackeray became Chief Minister of Maharashtra in November 2019.
- 2022Shiv Sena split
Eknath Shinde led a major rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, resulting in the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and a split in Shiv Sena.
- 2022Eknath Shinde becomes Chief Minister
Eknath Shinde formed the Maharashtra government with BJP support and became Chief Minister.
- 2023ECI recognises Shinde-led Shiv Sena
On 17 February 2023, the Election Commission of India allotted the name Shiv Sena and the Bow and Arrow symbol to the Eknath Shinde-led faction.
- 2024Mahayuti victory in Maharashtra
The Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde won 57 Maharashtra Assembly seats as part of the Mahayuti alliance.
- 2024Lok Sabha performance
The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 7 Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 general election.
- 2024Devendra Fadnavis government
After the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election, Shiv Sena remained part of the Mahayuti government, with Eknath Shinde serving as Deputy Chief Minister.
- 2026Current Shiv Sena status
The Eknath Shinde-led organisation continues to use the Shiv Sena name and Bow and Arrow symbol. The Uddhav Thackeray-led organisation continues separately as Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray).
Top Leadership
- ESEknath ShindeChief / Leader of Shiv Sena
- SSSanjay ShirsatSenior Party Leader / Minister
- USUday SamantSenior Party Leader / Minister
- PJPrataprao JadhavLok Sabha MP / Union Minister
- SSShrikant ShindeLok Sabha MP / Senior Party Leader
- BGBharat GogawaleSenior Party Leader / MLA
Election Performance
(Lok Sabha)State-wise Strength
(1 states)- MaharashtraDFDevendra Fadnavis2024
Financial Overview
(FY 2024-25)No financial statements on record.
Organisational Structure
A network reaching from the national council down to booth level.
Major Policies & Agenda
The party has historically identified strongly with Hindutva and Hindu cultural nationalism.
Promotion of Marathi language, culture and interests within Maharashtra.
Focus on infrastructure, urban development, employment and regional growth.
Support for Maharashtra's interests and a stronger role for states within India's federal system.
Focus on farmer welfare, rural infrastructure and agricultural support.
Emphasis on Mumbai and Maharashtra infrastructure, transport, housing and urban services.
Strong emphasis on national unity, security and patriotic politics.
Ideology & Vision
The party combines Hindutva, Marathi regional identity, national interests and development-oriented politics.
Alliances
- NDANational Democratic AllianceRuling National Alliance · since 2024
- MahayutiRuling Maharashtra Alliance · since 2022
Symbol & Colours
- Saffron
- Orange
Key Highlights
- Founded in 1966Founded by Bal Thackeray on 19 June 1966.
- ECI Recognised Shiv SenaThe Election Commission recognised the Eknath Shinde-led group as Shiv Sena and allotted the Bow and Arrow symbol in February 2023.
- 57 Maharashtra MLAsShiv Sena won 57 seats in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election.
- 7 Lok Sabha SeatsThe Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 7 Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 general election.
- Mahayuti GovernmentShiv Sena is a constituent of the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra.
Past Presidents
(3)- Eknath Shinde2022 – present
- Uddhav Thackeray2012 – 2022
- Bal Thackeray1966 – 2012
All information is sourced from official and public records.