Sachin Ahir Pivots to Shinde Camp in Legislative Council Bid

Ahir pledged to prioritize the directives issued by Shinde, framing his new political chapter as a commitment to serving diverse societal groups. The nomination ceremony served as a public display of consolidation for the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which continues to absorb high-profile figures from the Thackeray camp. Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat characterized the shift as a significant political maneuver, using the occasion to sharpen criticism against the UBT leadership. This transition follows a broader trend of attrition within the opposition, including the recent alignment of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the current government. The shift underscores the ongoing power struggle in Maharashtra politics that has persisted since the 2022 party split.