Former BEST Leader Suhas Samant Joins Shinde Faction After Electoral Setback

Former labor leader and long-time head of the BEST Workers’ Union, Suhas Samant, has resigned from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction). On Tuesday, he formally joined the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Samant’s decision comes after his defeat in the recent elections of the BEST Workers’ Union/Credit Society, which he described as a personal and political setback. Following this loss, he said he felt compelled to resign.

In a meeting held in Dadar, Samant, along with his supporters, formally joined the Shinde faction. He has reportedly been given the responsibility of deputy leadership within the faction. During his speech, he stated, “My 51 years of life in politics and the labor movement have gone to zero in a moment.”

Political analysts say that Samant’s entry into the Shinde faction represents another major blow to the Uddhav Thackeray group’s influence over Mumbai’s labor and civic organisations, especially as the Shinde faction works to expand its influence ahead of upcoming city elections.

The Shinde faction welcomed Samant’s entry, promising to utilize his vast experience to revitalize labor unions and work for the welfare of workers in the transport and electricity supply sectors.

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