Shinde Camp Targets UBT Stronghold with Sachin Ahir Nomination

Minister Sanjay Shirsat confirmed the nomination on Tuesday, flanked by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. By selecting Ahir, a prominent figure in the Worli constituency, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena has signaled an aggressive push to consolidate power within the legislative body while simultaneously undermining the stability of the UBT faction.

Shirsat defended the choice as a reflection of the party’s core values, framing the move as a natural alignment for a seasoned politician with deep local roots. This development has fueled speculation regarding further defections from the Thackeray camp, suggesting that the current intra-party friction is likely to intensify as the alliance seeks to weaken its rival's legislative footing.