Eknath Shinde Criticizes Uddhav Faction Amid Political Shifts in Maharashtra

Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, has recently criticized the Uddhav faction of Shiv Sena while welcoming senior MLC Sachin Ahir into his party. Drawing parallels to cricket, Shinde praised Ahir's political move as a masterstroke. He dismissed claims of his party relying on defections, instead presenting Shiv Sena as a growing political entity. Reflecting on the significant events of 2022, Shinde marked the anniversary of his oath-taking and emphasized the importance of a stable government for Maharashtra's development. He also accused Uddhav Thackeray of betraying the public mandate from the 2019 elections, asserting that the Mahayuti government should have been established earlier.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 30, 2026, 16:50 IST

Political Maneuvering in Maharashtra

On Tuesday, Eknath Shinde, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, targeted the Uddhav faction of Shiv Sena. This occurred following the inclusion of senior MLC Sachin Ahir into his party, who subsequently filed his nomination for the Deputy Chairman position in the Maharashtra Legislative Council on behalf of the Mahayuti alliance. Welcoming Ahir into the party, Shinde likened his political move to a 'masterstroke' in cricket, stating that Ahir played his shot like the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. He emphasized Ahir's significance as a key leader, noting that he has submitted both the nomination papers for the Deputy Chairman role and the Mahayuti form.

Shinde dismissed allegations that his party relies on defection for its strength. Instead, he portrayed Shiv Sena as an emerging political force, asserting, 'We do not break people; we bring them together.' Referring to the leaders consistently joining his faction, he remarked that the reasons for this shift are evident, stating, 'Why are people coming to Shiv Sena? They have answered this question themselves.'

Reflecting on the 2022 Rebellion

During this event, Shinde also recalled the events of 2022, marking the anniversary of his oath-taking as Chief Minister on June 30. He stated that the decisions made in 2022 led to the formation of a stable government that has worked alongside the central government to accelerate Maharashtra's development. He highlighted the support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that both the center and state are operating under a 'double-engine' government.

Shinde further accused Uddhav Thackeray of failing to honor the public mandate from the 2019 assembly elections. Speaking in Hindi, he noted that it was coincidental that he took his oath on June 30, 2022, but claimed that the public's mandate was betrayed when Shiv Sena allied with Congress, abandoning Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology.