By Sitaram Mewati | Mumbai
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC and former Worli MLA Sachin Ahir on Tuesday joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, delivering another setback to the Uddhav Thackeray-led camp. Soon after joining the ruling faction, Ahir filed his nomination for the post of Deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council.
The development comes close on the heels of six Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs switching allegiance to the Shinde-led faction, underscoring the continued realignment within Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde welcomed Ahir into the party and announced him as the alliance’s nominee for the Deputy Chairman’s election. Ahir’s induction is being viewed as a strategic move that further strengthens the ruling Shiv Sena’s position in the Legislative Council.
A seasoned politician, Ahir began his political career with the Congress before moving to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He later joined the undivided Shiv Sena ahead of the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections and emerged as a key leader in Mumbai, particularly in Worli. He has long been regarded as a close confidante of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray.
Political observers believe Ahir’s legislative experience and organisational network will add strength to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena as it continues to consolidate its position across the state. His nomination for the Deputy Chairman’s post reflects the confidence reposed in him by the party leadership.
Since the split in the Shiv Sena in 2022, the Eknath Shinde faction has secured the support of a majority of legislators and retained the party’s official name and its iconic ‘bow and arrow’ election symbol. Ahir’s crossover is expected to further bolster the ruling faction while posing another organisational challenge for the Sena (UBT) ahead of future political contests.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
