Sachin Ahir Nominated for Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chair

Minister Sanjay Shirsat confirmed the nomination on Tuesday, flanked by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. The move serves as a direct challenge to the Thackeray camp, with Shirsat framing the selection as an acknowledgement of the political capital Ahir wields in his stronghold.

The announcement coincides with persistent rumors of looming defections from the Shiv Sena (UBT) to Eknath Shinde’s faction. By elevating Ahir, the Mahayuti alliance is positioning itself to absorb disillusioned party workers who have felt marginalized in the current opposition structure. Given the recent departure of several UBT MPs to the Shinde camp, this leadership appointment underscores a broader, ongoing realignment of power within Maharashtra’s legislative corridors.