In a significant political development in Maharashtra, Sachin Ahir was unanimously elected as the Deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Wednesday, just a day after leaving the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and joining the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

The election concluded without a contest after JM Abhyankar, the candidate backed by the Maha Vikas Aghadi> (MVA), withdrew his nomination following a request from Maharashtra Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil. The reason behind the withdrawal has not yet been officially disclosed.

Sachin Ahir's Exit Deals Another Blow to Uddhav Thackeray Camp

Ahir's move marks another setback for the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), which has been facing growing political challenges. His resignation came shortly after six Members of Parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction switched allegiance to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, strengthening the ruling alliance's position.

Following his induction into the Shinde camp on Tuesday, Ahir filed his nomination for the Deputy Chairman's post and secured unanimous support in the Legislative Council election.

Who is Sachin Ahir?

Sachin Ahir is a seasoned Maharashtra politician and former MLA from Worli. He was widely regarded as a close associate of Aaditya Thackeray, making his departure from the Uddhav-led Shiv Sena particularly significant.

Ahir began his political career with the Indian National Congress, later joined the Nationalist Congress Party> (NCP), and subsequently became part of the undivided Shiv Sena. Following the split in the party in 2022, he is now aligned with the Eknath Shinde faction.

He was elected as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council in 2022 and has since remained an active figure in state politics.

According to reports, police personnel were deployed outside Ahir's residence after his political switch as supporters gathered following the announcement.

Sanjay Raut Criticises Ahir's Decision

Reacting to the development, senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused Ahir of abandoning political values for personal ambition.

Raut stated that integrity and loyalty are fundamental principles in public life and expressed disappointment over Ahir's departure, noting that he had been considered one of Aaditya Thackeray's trusted associates.

He also called for introspection within the party, suggesting that leadership should evaluate whether certain leaders receive disproportionate importance before eventually leaving the organisation for political gain.

Fresh Attack on Eknath Shinde

During his remarks, Raut also criticised Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, asserting that his political rise was made possible by opportunities provided by Uddhav Thackeray and the undivided Shiv Sena.

According to Raut, Shinde's current political stature was built on positions and responsibilities entrusted to him by the party leadership over the years.

Political Impact in Maharashtra

Sachin Ahir's move is being viewed as another major political setback for the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, which continues to face internal defections following the party split in 2022.

Political observers believe Ahir's election as Deputy Chairman further strengthens the influence of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena within the Maharashtra Legislature and reflects the changing political landscape in the state.

As Maharashtra politics continues to evolve, the latest developments are expected to intensify the rivalry between the Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray factions ahead of future political contests.

Inputs from Agency