Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray asks district chiefs to collect 50 lakh loyalty pledges

With chief minister Eknath Shinde’s faction approaching the Election Commission (EC) with what appears to be a plea to be recognize it as the real Shiv Sena, the struggle for control has now percolated down to the party’s primary members and shakhas.
Uddhav Thackeray has directed the party’s zilla pramukhs (district chiefs) to get 50 lakh members to submit affidavits pledging “loyalty” to the Shiv Sena’s constitution, its founder Bal Thackeray and its present party president Uddhav Thackeray.
Office bearers have been asked to submit the ‘loyalty’ affidavits in the next few days. Upa shakha pramukhs (deputy branch heads) are to be the first ones to show their allegiance to Thackeray. This would go a long way in strengthening his grip over the Sena’s poll symbol, the bow and arrow, according to legal experts.
A senior Sena functionary said the Sena has around 36 lakh primary members and the number may rise to 50 lakh; hence the target set for zilla pramukhs.
“Now they (Shinde camp MLAs and MPs) will enjoy the fruits of power. They have compassion and love for you. People are angry with the rebels. This is the chance to rebuild Sena. Once we complete the milestone of 50 lakh pledges, we will meet together in Mumbai for a meeting,” Uddhav told the zilla pramukhs in a virtual meeting on Tuesday.