Sachin Ahir, Key Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader, Joins Shinde-Led Faction

Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Legislative Council member Sachin Ahir has formally joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, marking a significant political realignment in Maharashtra.

Ahir, widely regarded as a close aide of Aaditya Thackeray, filed his nomination for the post of Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council shortly after switching sides. His move comes amid ongoing efforts by the Shinde faction to consolidate power in the Legislative Council and strengthen its position ahead of key civic and assembly polls.

Ahir's political journey spans across parties. He was originally with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) before joining the Shiv Sena in 2019, when Aaditya Thackeray contested his first election. In the Shiv Sena (UBT), Ahir was entrusted with the management of the Worli constituency in Mumbai, a role that made him an important figure in the party's Mumbai strategy.

Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsath described the development as a strategic gain for the Shinde-led party. "Sachin Ahir is an important addition to Shiv Sena. He is a hard-working leader and he's come with us under Eknath Shinde's leadership," Shirsath said. He added that this was not part of any 'Operation Tiger' but an 'Operation Emergency' conducted by Shinde.

However, Shinde's decision to offer the deputy chairperson post to Ahir, reportedly sidelining his own party leaders Neelam Gorhe and Krupal Tumane who had been lobbying for the position, has drawn attention. The move underscores the faction's efforts to attract leaders from rival camps.

Meanwhile, leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) expressed surprise. Party leader Ameen Patel noted that Ahir had attended an MVA meeting just days before his defection. "I was sitting with him at the MVA meeting a couple of days ago and had zero idea he'd do something like this," Patel said.

Mahendra Dalvi, a Shinde Sena MLA, termed Ahir's defection a "huge personal and political blow" to Aaditya Thackeray. Dalvi hinted at more defections, claiming that several Uddhav camp MLAs would join the Shinde faction in the coming days. His comments align with claims from political observers that the Shinde faction is intensifying efforts to expand its legislative base.

The development adds to the challenges faced by the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray, which has seen several of its lawmakers switch to the Shinde faction in recent months. Last month, six of the party's nine Members of Parliament shifted allegiance.

Ahir's defection raises questions about the internal cohesion of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and its ability to retain key leaders ahead of upcoming elections. However, party leaders have not yet issued an official statement on the matter.