Veteran Trade Union Leader Bala Pawaskar Returns to Shiv Sena (UBT) After Two Years

The return of veteran trade union leader Bala Pawaskar to the Shiv Sena (UBT) has reignited political discussions in Maharashtra, with the development being viewed as a setback for the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's organisational network in Mumbai.

Pawaskar, a prominent labour leader, had joined the Shinde faction after the Shiv Sena split in 2022. However, he has now returned to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), signalling a shift in loyalties within the party's traditional trade union base.

Political observers believe Pawaskar's homecoming is significant because of his long-standing influence among workers and labour unions, which have historically formed an important support base for the Shiv Sena in Mumbai. The move is expected to strengthen the Uddhav Thackeray camp's organisational presence in the city while posing a challenge to the Shinde faction.

The development has also renewed discussions over the Shinde-led Shiv Sena's representation in the Union Council of Ministers. Despite being a key constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the party has been seeking greater representation at the Centre, and political circles are speculating whether it could secure another ministerial berth in a future Cabinet expansion.

Pawaskar's return comes amid the continuing political rivalry between the two Shiv Sena factions as both sides seek to consolidate their support base and expand their organisational influence across Maharashtra.