30 June,2026 04:36 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak Mastakar
Eknath Shinde welcomed MLC Sachin Ahir into the party. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
In a significant political setback for the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), party leader and Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Sachin Ahir joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Tuesday.
Ahir formally joined the ruling Shiv Sena at the party's office in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Earlier in the day, he filed his nomination for the election to the post of Deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council as the Mahayuti alliance's candidate.
The nomination was submitted in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, signalling Ahir's formal entry into the ruling alliance.
Speaking to reporters after Ahir's induction, Shinde welcomed the MLC into the party and praised his work for local communities and former textile mill workers.
Responding to a question on whether the anti-defection law would apply in Ahir's case, Eknath Shinde said Ahir had been elected to the Legislative Council in 2022 as a Shiv Sena member and argued that, technically, he continued to belong to the same political party despite the split in the organisation.
Referring to the recent political developments, Shinde said, "A week ago, six MPs hit a six, and today MLA Ahir has also hit a six." He added that "fours and sixes" would continue and hinted that more leaders from the rival camp could switch sides. He also asserted that every decision taken by his party was "foolproof."
Praising Ahir's political career, Shinde said the veteran leader had served three terms as an MLA, is now a Legislative Council member and has held the position of Minister of State for seven departments. He said Ahir had worked extensively on issues concerning mill workers, understood the problems faced by Mumbai residents and had consistently raised concerns related to workers, the fishing community and Shiv Sena workers.
Shinde expressed confidence that the Mahayuti alliance enjoys a clear majority in both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council and said Ahir would be elected Deputy Chairman on Wednesday. He added that Ahir would discharge his responsibilities fairly across Maharashtra, not just in Mumbai. Shinde also said Ahir's induction would strengthen Shiv Sena's presence in Mumbai, Pune and other regions where he has worked.
"Our agenda is not to hold on to power but to resolve the problems of the people who put us in office and ensure justice for them," Shinde said. He added that the Mahayuti government had worked for farmers, labourers, women under welfare schemes, youth and other sections of society. He said elected representatives must deliver justice to people in their constituencies.
"We believe in uniting people, not dividing them. While some people have come to destroy, we have come to strengthen Shiv Sena. We are moving forward with the ideals of Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe," Shinde said.
The development marks another setback for the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), which has witnessed a series of defections in recent days.
Ahir, who was considered a close associate of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, switched sides just days after six of the party's nine Lok Sabha members joined the ruling Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde.
His decision further strengthens the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state legislature while weakening the opposition camp ahead of key political developments.
On the opposition side, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve confirmed that MLC Jagannath Abhyankar is the Maha Vikas Aghadi's candidate for the post of Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council.
The contest for the Deputy Chairman's post has therefore become another political battle between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, coming at a time when the balance of strength within the legislature continues to shift following a series of high-profile defections.
Ahir's move is expected to have political significance, given his long association with the undivided Shiv Sena and his proximity to the party's leadership before the split. His decision to join the Shinde-led faction adds to the growing list of leaders who have crossed over from the Uddhav Thackeray camp to the ruling alliance in recent weeks.
