As Shiv Sena turns 60 today, rival camps set for verbal joust

MUMBAI: With ‘Operation Tiger’ now almost complete and the merger of rebel Sena UBT MPs with the deputy CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena said to be a formality, the rival Shiv Senas will have a showdown at the party’s foundation day events in Mumbai on Friday. June 19 this year marks the 60th anniversary of the party’s founding.While the Shinde-led Sena is said to turn its event into a show of strength, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena’s celebration is expected to be muted. Shinde and Uddhav will address their party cadre.While Shinde is expected to once again claim the legacy of late Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, Sena UBT is expected to avoid any show of strength given the latest rebellion, but Uddhav will respond to the recent defections and is expected to target Shinde and BJP. He will also try to keep his flock together through an emotional appeal.Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant indicated that the party will put up an aggressive front on Friday. Through a cryptic post on social media, Samant said many “formidable ones have been subdued,” indicating that Operation Tiger had been successful and top Sena UBT netas would join the Shinde Sena.