Shiv Sena

Shiv Sena was formed by Balasaheb Thackeray in 1966. The party came into existence to promote the interests of 'sons of the soil,' Maharashtrian youth. The party maintains its Hindutva ideology and is a right-wing political party. It has been accused of instigating many riots in the state, including the Mumbai riots of the late 1960s, the Bhiwandi riots in 1984 and the Mumbai riots of 1992-93.

Shiv Sena says that it is a nationalistic party and does not discriminate against any religion, caste and creed. They believe in nationalism and will go to any extent to eliminate the traitors and enemies of India.

After being at the helm of the party for a few decades, the day-to-day affairs of the party are now looked after by his youngest son Uddhav Thackeray.

The party has joined hands with BJP and entered into a seat-sharing pact in Maharashtra with the national party to contest from 26 Lok Sabha seats and Shiv Sena from rest of 22 constituencies.