Sachin Ahir wins key Maharashtra poll day after quitting Uddhav Sena for Shinde-led camp

Mumbai: In a dramatic political turnaround, senior Maharashtra politician Sachin Ahir was on Wednesday elected Deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, barely a day after quitting the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and joining the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Ahir, who contested as the Mahayuti alliance candidate, secured the post with the backing of the ruling coalition comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde and the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction). His election underscores the ruling alliance's numerical strength in the Legislative Council.

The development came less than 24 hours after Ahir formally joined the Shinde camp, ending his association with Uddhav Thackeray's faction. Once considered a close aide of Aaditya Thackeray, Ahir's defection is being viewed as another major setback for the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), which has witnessed a series of high-profile exits since the party's split in 2022.

A swift political transition

Ahir filed his nomination for the Deputy Chairman's post soon after joining the Shinde-led Sena, receiving immediate endorsement from the Mahayuti alliance. His unopposed elevation to one of the key constitutional positions in the Legislative Council highlighted the confidence reposed in him by the ruling coalition.

Following his induction into the party, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde welcomed Ahir and described his entry as a boost for the Shiv Sena. Ahir, in turn, said he would work for the welfare of all sections of society and strengthen the organisation.

Opposition reacts

The political switch drew sharp criticism from the Uddhav Thackeray camp. Aaditya Thackeray alleged that the defection was part of a larger political strategy orchestrated by the ruling alliance and remarked that it was "not Operation Tiger, but Operation Devendra Fadnavis." He also said the party had become accustomed to leaders switching sides despite being entrusted with significant responsibilities.

Political significance

Ahir's move is seen as strategically important, particularly in Mumbai politics. A seasoned leader with roots in the erstwhile Nationalist Congress Party before joining the undivided Shiv Sena in 2019, Ahir has considerable influence in the Worli region, represented by Aaditya Thackeray.

Political observers believe his defection could strengthen the Shinde faction's organisational presence in Mumbai while further weakening the Uddhav-led Sena ahead of future electoral contests.

The latest development comes amid continuing political realignments in Maharashtra, where both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi are seeking to consolidate their positions following the splits in the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party over the past few years.