Despite its monolithic and autocratic structure, the Shiv Sena is no stranger to the process of splits and defections that are inevitable in the trajectory of most political formations. As its members often note, the Sena is first an organisation, and then a political party. This culture of machismo and “direct action” has prompted scholars such as Julia M. Eckert to describe the Shiv Sena as a “party, movement and gang at once”. Despite the mutiny in its ranks, the common Shiv Sainik has an emotional bond with the late party supremo and his family, and this can be used by the Shiv Sena for its revival. Ironically, the elephant in the room is the alleged complicity of the Shiv Sena in the process.

Source: Hindustan Times June 25, 2022 06:20 UTC