A tale of two Sena offices: Confusion & tension, joy & despair

As Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud read the judgment to cap a 11-month legal battle on live television, workers of both factions were glued to the telecast, trying to make sense of what was unfolding before their eyes.

At first, the Supreme Court’s observations, mainly against the decisions taken by the then Governor, brought relief to the Sena (UBT) workers. But in the end, workers at the new office of the Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde broke into celebration as it became clear that the government will continue.

“We were confident from the beginning that the verdict would go in our favour. And that’s what happened. The people of the state are in favour of Eknath Shinde saheb and the Mahayuti Government will continue to serve the state,” said Pramod Bhangire, City President of Shiv Sena.

As soon as the verdict became clear, about 100 workers who were watching live proceedings of the court rushed out of the office and started sloganeering and dancing. Then, they proceeded towards Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Square where more party workers joined, showering gulal and distributing sweets.

At the Sena (UBT) office, the mood dipped but party leaders were resolute. “There are many points in the judgement that go in our favour. The Supreme Court has held that Sunil Prabhu of our party was the legal whip and his order was the only legal order. Hence, this government was formed illegally and if there’s any conscience left with Eknath Shinde and the 16 MLS, they should immediately resign because they did not follow the legal whip,” said Gajanan Tharkude, Sena (UBT) city chief, who reached the party office after the verdict was announced.

He said the fate of Shinde’s government will become clear in the days to come. “Once the judgement copy is available to the party, the lawyers will read it carefully and the future strategy will be decided by the party. The next two days will be full of action,” said Tharkude.

None of this, however, mattered for the Shinde camp. Former MP Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil, who is considered close to the Chief Minister, said “We welcome the Supreme Court verdict. We are happy as we can continue to work for the people.”

Maval MP Shrirang Barne said, “We knew there was no threat to the government and the verdict is on expected lines. We will remain in power like we have been doing since last June.”

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The sense of relief and joy was also reflected in the camp of ruling ally BJP. “The Supreme Court ruling has come in our favour and we have every reason to celebrate. Both BJP and the Shiv Sena rank and file are celebrating at the Shiv Sena office in Pune,” said BJP spokesperson Sandeep Khardekar.