Sachin Ahir Joins Shinde Faction, Nominated for Maharashtra Council Deputy Chair

In a significant political development unfolding in Maharashtra, Sachin Ahir, a prominent Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction, has formally joined the rival Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This high-profile defection occurred on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, and was immediately followed by Ahir filing his nomination as the Mahayuti alliance's candidate for the Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council. Ahir's switch is widely regarded as a substantial blow to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), especially given his stature as a close confidante and key strategist for Aaditya Thackeray, particularly in the Worli constituency. He had previously played a crucial role in strengthening Aaditya Thackeray's political base. The move marks another instance of leaders from the Uddhav camp joining the Shinde faction since the original split of the Shiv Sena in 2022. Multiple credible news sources, including NDTV, Hindustan Times, The Wire, India Today, and The Hindu itself, have widely reported and corroborated this development, highlighting its immediate political ramifications in Maharashtra. The articles confirm that Ahir filed his nomination in the presence of top Mahayuti leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde, and Sunetra Pawar. The timing of Ahir's defection is particularly critical, coming just days after six Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs also crossed over to the Shinde faction. This series of defections further weakens the Uddhav Thackeray camp's position and strengthens the ruling Mahayuti alliance ahead of crucial civic and assembly elections in Maharashtra. The Shinde faction has touted Ahir's induction as part of 'Operation Tiger-3' or 'Operation Emergency,' aimed at attracting more leaders from the Uddhav camp. Eknath Shinde welcomed Ahir, describing him as a grassroots leader and expressing confidence in his election as Deputy Chairperson. Shinde also emphasized that Ahir's election would strengthen the Shiv Sena's connection with the labour community in Mumbai. Interestingly, Shinde also pointed out the legal perspective, stating that Ahir was elected as an MLC on the 'bow and arrow' symbol in 2022, which is now associated with the Shinde faction, implying no change in party or disqualification. Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray have reacted to the defection. Aaditya Thackeray reportedly stated that the party had given Ahir everything, and his departure showed a lack of principles, while downplaying its impact on the party's core strength, especially in Worli. Congress, an ally of the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), expressed surprise, noting Ahir's recent participation in an MVA meeting. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve announced Jagannath Abhyankar as the MVA's candidate for the Deputy Chairperson post, setting the stage for a direct contest. The election for the Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 2026. With the Mahayuti alliance holding a decisive majority in the Legislative Council, Sachin Ahir's victory is largely considered almost certain, further solidifying the ruling coalition's influence. Ahir's political journey includes stints with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) before joining the undivided Shiv Sena in 2019, eventually becoming an MLC in 2022. This development underscores the ongoing political realignments and power struggles within Maharashtra, particularly between the two Shiv Sena factions, as they gear up for future electoral battles. The consistent flow of leaders from the Uddhav camp to the Shinde faction indicates a strategic consolidation of power by the latter, which could have long-term implications for the political landscape of the state.

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