Big Blow to Congress: Kunal Jadhav Joins Shiv Sena Thackeray Faction, Political Equations Shift

Congress faces a setback as leader Kunal Jadhav joins the Shiv Sena Uddhav Thackeray faction, adding fresh momentum to opposition politics in Maharashtra.

January 8, 2026 | Mumbai – The Congress party has suffered a notable political setback after its leader Kunal Jadhav formally joined the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray. The development, reported on January 8, 2026, has added a new twist to Maharashtra’s already dynamic political landscape, especially as civic and local body elections draw closer across the state.

Kunal Jadhav’s entry into the Shiv Sena Thackeray faction took place in the presence of senior party leaders, who welcomed him and described the move as a boost to the party’s organisational strength. Leaders from the Shiv Sena UBT camp stated that Jadhav’s decision reflects growing confidence in Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership and the party’s ideological clarity.

Jadhav, who was associated with the Congress for several years, is considered an active leader with grassroots reach. His switch is being viewed as a loss for the Congress, particularly at a time when the party is striving to regain lost ground in Maharashtra. Political observers believe that such defections can have a cascading effect, influencing other leaders and workers at the local level.

Speaking after joining the Shiv Sena, Kunal Jadhav reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the Congress’s internal functioning and decision-making process. He stated that he felt the need to align with a party that offers clearer leadership and a stronger platform to work for the people. According to him, the Shiv Sena Thackeray faction represents values and political commitment that resonate with his vision of public service.

The Shiv Sena leadership emphasised that the party is open to leaders who believe in its ideology and are willing to work at the grassroots level. Party leaders said that the induction of leaders like Jadhav strengthens the organisation ahead of upcoming elections and helps expand the party’s reach among different sections of society.

The Congress, meanwhile, has downplayed the development, stating that individuals are free to make personal political choices. Party leaders maintained that the Congress continues to have a strong organisational base and that elections are fought collectively, not by individuals alone. However, insiders acknowledge that frequent defections do impact morale and public perception.

Political analysts note that Maharashtra politics has been witnessing continuous realignments, with leaders frequently switching sides based on evolving political equations. Such movements are particularly common ahead of elections, when parties attempt to strengthen their candidate pool and organisational machinery.

For the Shiv Sena Thackeray faction, Jadhav’s induction is being projected as part of a broader effort to consolidate opposition unity and present itself as a credible alternative in civic governance. Analysts believe that attracting leaders from the Congress could help the party tap into traditional voter bases and strengthen its position in key urban and semi-urban areas.

Public reaction to the development has been mixed. While some voters view such moves as opportunistic, others believe that leaders should join parties where they feel they can work effectively. Many citizens, however, stressed that their electoral decisions will depend on candidates’ work and credibility rather than party switches.

As of January 8, 2026, Kunal Jadhav’s move has added momentum to the Shiv Sena Thackeray faction while posing fresh challenges for the Congress in Maharashtra. The political atmosphere is expected to become more charged as parties intensify campaigns and attempt to counter defections.

The coming weeks will reveal whether this development leads to further shifts within the Congress or inspires more leaders to join the Shiv Sena UBT camp. For now, Jadhav’s entry has altered political equations and reinforced the fluid nature of Maharashtra’s contemporary politics.

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