Senior Maharashtra Legislative Council member Sachin Ahir broke his silence after joining the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, saying he would fulfil the responsibility entrusted to him with honesty and work for the welfare of people from every section of society.
Speaking to reporters after filing his nomination as the Shiv Sena’s official candidate for the post of Deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Ahir said, “I will honestly shoulder the responsibility given to me by Eknath Shinde. I will try to bring together people of all sections of society and do justice to them.”
Ahir submitted his nomination in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, highlighting the Mahayuti alliance’s united backing for his candidature.
His decision to leave the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has triggered fresh political debate in Maharashtra. The move is being viewed as a significant setback for the UBT camp because Ahir had long been regarded as one of the party’s influential leaders in Mumbai and was considered close to Aaditya Thackeray.
Political observers believe Ahir’s induction strengthens the Shinde faction’s reported strategy of attracting leaders from the rival Sena camp ahead of upcoming political contests in the state.
The switch has also drawn attention because Ahir had participated in a key Shiv Sena (UBT) strategy meeting in Mumbai only days before changing sides. The meeting, attended by Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray, focused on preparations for the Maharashtra Legislature’s monsoon session.
Responding to the development, Aaditya Thackeray questioned the decision to leave the party despite the opportunities it had provided. Reacting to Ahir’s defection, he said, “One must have some principles in life. If the party gives you everything, you must also stand with the party in tough times. Bring him to me and I will ask him what it is that the party didn’t give him.”
The latest political development is expected to further intensify the rivalry between the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Shiv Sena (UBT), with both factions continuing to compete for influence in Maharashtra politics.
