Big Blow to Uddhav Thackeray: Sachin Ahir Joins Shinde Sena, Files MLC Deputy Chairman Nomination

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray faced another political setback on Tuesday as senior leader and Maharashtra Legislative Council member Sachin Ahir switched allegiance to the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, further intensifying the ongoing split within the party.

Shortly after joining the Shinde-led faction, Ahir formally entered the race for the post of Deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council as the party’s official nominee. His nomination filing was witnessed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, signalling a strong display of alliance unity.

The development is being viewed as a significant jolt to the UBT camp, as Ahir was long regarded as a trusted associate of Uddhav Thackeray and an influential figure in Mumbai’s political landscape.

His defection is also being linked to the expanding political strategy reportedly referred to as “Operation Tiger”, under which the Shinde-led Shiv Sena is said to be actively working to bring leaders from the Thackeray faction into its fold. After earlier gains at the parliamentary and assembly levels, the focus now appears to be shifting towards strengthening numbers in the Legislative Council.

Ahir’s political journey began in the 1990s as a trade union leader in Mumbai’s textile mill sector. He was first elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Worli in 1999 and went on to win multiple terms, later becoming a member of the Legislative Council.