Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Worli MLA Sunil Shinde on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on former party colleague Sachin Ahir, hours after the latter joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, describing the move as politically opportunistic and questioning his loyalty to the party.
Reacting to Ahir's defection, Sunil Shinde said leaders who repeatedly change political parties cannot claim to represent ideology or commitment. He alleged that Ahir had switched sides for personal political gain rather than public service.
Shinde also dismissed speculation that Ahir's entry into the ruling Shiv Sena would have any impact on the party's prospects in Worli, asserting that the constituency remains firmly behind Shiv Sena (UBT) and its leadership.
The remarks came shortly after Ahir joined the Eknath Shinde-led faction and filed his nomination as the Mahayuti alliance's candidate for the post of Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were present during the filing of his nomination papers.
Ahir's defection is being seen as another setback for Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), with political observers viewing it as part of the Shinde faction's continuing efforts to induct senior leaders from the rival camp.
The latest exchange has further intensified the political battle between the two Shiv Sena factions, particularly in Mumbai, where both parties are seeking to strengthen their organisational base ahead of future electoral contests.
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