The dynamics of Shiv Sena's relationship with Muslims in Maharashtra are evolving.

During recent years, Uddhav has emerged as the fiercest nemesis of BJP in Maharashtra and this too has brought his party closer to the community.

In the lead-up to the 1998 Lok Sabha elections, a tragic incident unfolded in South Mumbai's Nagpada area. Salim Badgujar became a victim of a fatal shooting orchestrated by Chhota Shakeel's henchmen. His "crime" was opening a Shiv Sena shakha in Nagpada and supporting Mohan Rawle, the party's candidate. This incident shed light on deep-seated tensions and the violent repercussions of political affiliations, especially in the aftermath of the 1992-1993 riots.

Nagpada, once a stronghold of the gang, witnessed a significant change over three decades. Today, a Shiv Sena office stands in Nagpada, indicating reduced animosity toward the party among its residents.

The evolution of Shiv Sena traces back to its founding in the mid-1960s by Bal Thackeray. Initially focused on Marathi-speaking communities and engaging in violent encounters with South Indians and Gujaratis, the party's ideology shifted in the early 1980s towards Hindutva by aligning with the BJP. Events like the Bhiwandi riots of 1984 and support for the Ram Janmabhoomi movement solidified its militant Hindu image.

Bal Thackeray's provocative statements during the Babri mosque demolition in 1992 heightened tensions, leading to accusations of targeting Muslims during the 1992-1993 riots. However, a shift occurred in 2003 when Uddhav Thackeray took over, adopting a more moderate stance and embracing inclusivity.

Under Uddhav's leadership, Shiv Sena has taken steps toward moderation and inclusivity, including forming alliances with secular parties and appointing Muslim leaders. Despite challenges like Abdul Sattar's defection in 2022, the party's relief efforts during crises like the Covid-19 pandemic have earned praise across communities.

Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has embraced Hindutva politics, filling the void left by Shiv Sena's departure from aggressive Hindutva stances.

The ultimate challenge for the transformed Shiv Sena lies in gaining acceptance from Muslim voters, particularly in constituencies like South Mumbai, where it now competes against Congress candidates in the MVA alliance.