In a bold declaration, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde has strongly hinted at a fresh wave of Sena UBT exits, signaling a deepening crisis for Uddhav Thackeray’s faction. He asserts that the former Maharashtra chief minister has irrevocably ‘lost his ground,’ struggling to maintain cohesion among his legislators and party members. The political landscape in Maharashtra, already tumultuous, appears poised for further dramatic shifts, according to Shinde’s recent remarks.
Speaking candidly in an interview with CNN-News18, the Kalyan Lok Sabha MP detailed the recent defection of six UBT MPs to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. This pivotal shift, he underscored, has not only bolstered the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) but also significantly amplified Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political leverage.
Shrikant Shinde Foresees More Sena UBT Exits
Shinde’s critique extended directly to Thackeray’s leadership style. He posited that a pervasive sense of neglect had alienated key leaders and dedicated workers within the UBT camp. “Many of those leaving are among the founding members of Shiv Sena,” Shinde remarked, a pointed observation. “Today, Uddhav Thackeray is calling them bad, but these are the very people who built the party. Uddhav is not available to meet MLAs and MPs.”
This sentiment of discontent, Shinde explained, stems from Thackeray’s perceived inaccessibility. Conversely, he lauded the leadership of Eknath Shinde, emphasizing a stark difference: “In our party, we listen even to the grievances of corporators. That is why people have faith in Eknath Shinde’s leadership.” This contrasting approach, he believes, is a primary driver behind the anticipated broader political movements within the state.
The Shiv Sena MP didn’t mince words about future prospects, explicitly suggesting that more prominent figures are expected to align with the Eknath Shinde camp in the forthcoming days. He alluded to a strategic initiative, stating, “‘Operation Tiger’ is being described as successful so far, and further Sena UBT exits are expected as the situation continues to unfold.”
Addressing the caustic remarks by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut following the initial defections, Shrikant Shinde dismissed them as a reflection of Raut’s “culture and mindset.” He warned that such “abusive language is pushing people away from UBT” daily. Echoing a popular sentiment, Shinde concluded with a definitive “Picture abhi baki hai,” asserting that these additions will further cement the NDA’s formidable position and influence across Maharashtra.
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