The Shiv Sena, during nearly three and a half decades of its existence, has always symbolised the semi-fascist face of reaction. The Shiv Sena (SS)a clear ideological affinity with the RSS-controlled Sangh Parivar. Although their interpretations may somewhat differ, the SS and the BJP share a common allegiance to the communal and fascistic concept of cultural nationalism and to the aim of achieving a “Hindu Rashtra†. The rapid growth of the SS in Maharashtra since the mid-eighties is, in fact, closely linked to the parallel growth of the saffron brigade at the national level during the same period.