According to media reports, Bhushan Desai, the son of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Subhash Desai, joined the Eknath Shinde faction on Monday. The news came as a surprise to the Thackeray faction given Subhash Desai's close association with the Thackeray family and his role as a trustee of Prabodhan Prakashan, which owns the party's mouthpiece, Saamana.
Welcoming Bhushan into the party fold, Eknath Shinde cited that Bhushan expressed his desire to join the Shiv Sena. Bhushan confirmed his decision and stated that he has faith in Shinde and his ideology, which he believes is in line with the principles of Balasaheb Thackeray. Bhushan denied any allegations of joining Shinde's faction due to an inquiry against him by the government. He added that he had discussed this with his father beforehand but refused to comment on whether his father supported his decision.
Also Read: Remaining 15 MLAs of the Thackeray group will also join the Shinde group: Narayan Rane
Subhash Desai released a statement expressing his disappointment in his son's decision to join the Shinde faction. However, he clarified that his loyalty to the Thackeray faction and the party remains unchanged. He also mentioned that his son's decision would not have any impact on the party as he was not politically active.
Vaibhav Naik, an MLA from the Thackeray faction, alleged that Bhushan interfered in the affairs of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) due to his father's position as the industries minister. Naik and other Sena MLAs had complained to party chief Uddhav Thackeray about Bhushan's interference in the MIDC and his lack of cooperation with party workers.
Also Read: EC is 'Chuna lagao' commission: Uddhav Thackeray
Aaditya Thackeray, a leader of the UBT, dismissed the development, stating that Bhushan was not active in the party and had no relation to it. He also emphasized that Subhash Desai is a senior party leader and would always be with party president Uddhav Thackeray.
Share
Tweet
