Ahead of Deputy Chairman Election, Sena (UBT) Leader Sachin Ahir Switches to Shinde-Led Shiv Sena

In a major political development in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Sachin Ahir switched allegiance to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Tuesday, just ahead of the election for the Deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council.

Ahir's move is being viewed as another setback for former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, whose faction has witnessed several defections since the split in the Shiv Sena in 2022. Soon after joining the Shinde camp, Ahir filed his nomination as the Mahayuti alliance's candidate for the Deputy Chairman's post, underlining the strategic timing of the switch.

The induction took place in the presence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and senior leaders of the ruling alliance. The Mahayuti government, comprising the Shiv Sena led by Shinde, the BJP and the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar, is looking to further strengthen its position in the Legislative Council through the Deputy Chairman election.

Sachin Ahir is a seasoned politician with decades of experience in Maharashtra politics. A three-time MLA and former Minister of State, he began his political career with the Nationalist Congress Party before joining the undivided Shiv Sena in 2019 under Uddhav Thackeray's leadership. Following the split in the party, he remained with the Shiv Sena (UBT) until his latest decision to cross over to the Shinde faction.

Political observers believe Ahir's switch carries symbolic and electoral significance, particularly in Mumbai, where he has maintained considerable influence through his organizational work and trade union background. His exit is expected to impact the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s political strategy in the run-up to future electoral contests, including civic elections.

The development also comes amid continued speculation over possible defections from the Shiv Sena (UBT), with leaders from the ruling alliance claiming that more legislators could join the Shinde camp in the coming weeks. While such claims remain politically contested, Ahir's decision adds to the momentum for the ruling alliance ahead of an important legislative contest.

With the Deputy Chairman election around the corner, the ruling Mahayuti appears to have received a timely boost, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi faces fresh questions over its ability to retain key leaders.