Big Blow to Shiv Sena Thackeray Faction as Raju Naik and Dinesh Kubal Join Shinde Camp

Shiv Sena (UBT) suffers a major setback as senior leaders Raju Naik and Dinesh Kubal quit the Thackeray faction and join Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

December 26, 2025 | Mumbai – The Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray has suffered a significant political setback after senior leaders Raju Naik and Dinesh Kubal officially joined the Shiv Sena faction headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The development has added momentum to the Shinde camp’s ongoing expansion drive and intensified political churn within Maharashtra’s evolving Shiv Sena landscape.

Raju Naik and Dinesh Kubal are considered influential figures with strong grassroots networks and organisational experience. Their decision to part ways with the Thackeray faction is being viewed as more than a symbolic loss, particularly at a time when municipal and local body elections are approaching. Political observers believe such defections have the potential to impact cadre morale and voter alignment at the local level.

According to sources familiar with the development, both leaders cited dissatisfaction with internal functioning, lack of clarity in leadership decisions, and limited scope for organisational growth within the Thackeray faction. While no detailed public statement outlining their reasons has been issued, insiders suggest that prolonged internal uncertainty and repeated electoral challenges played a role in their decision to switch sides.

The induction of Raju Naik and Dinesh Kubal into the Shinde-led Shiv Sena took place in the presence of senior party leaders, underlining the political importance of the move. Leaders from the Shinde camp welcomed them, stating that their experience and grassroots connect would strengthen the party’s organisational base. The Shinde faction has consistently projected itself as a stable and governance-focused alternative, and recent inductions are being portrayed as validation of that narrative.

For the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, the exits are being seen as another challenge in its efforts to rebuild and consolidate after the party split. Since losing control of the original party name and symbol, the Thackeray faction has focused on repositioning itself through opposition politics and outreach programs. However, repeated defections of leaders and workers have raised questions about internal cohesion and long-term strategy.

Political analysts point out that defections ahead of civic elections often have a cascading effect. When local leaders change allegiance, they may be followed by party workers and supporters, weakening organisational strength at the ward and booth levels. In tightly contested urban regions, such shifts can significantly alter electoral equations.

Leaders from the Thackeray faction have attempted to downplay the impact, stating that the party remains rooted in ideology and public support rather than individual leaders. They argue that political loyalty cannot be measured solely by defections and that the party continues to resonate with its core voter base. However, internal discussions indicate concern about retaining experienced leaders and preventing further erosion.

The development has also sparked renewed debate about the broader balance of power within Maharashtra politics. With the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and the NCP Ajit Pawar group forming the ruling alliance, the Shinde camp’s growing strength has implications for alliance dynamics and future negotiations. Each induction is seen as strengthening the Shinde faction’s bargaining position within the coalition.

As Maharashtra moves deeper into an election-focused phase, political realignments are expected to continue. The move by Raju Naik and Dinesh Kubal underscores the fluid nature of state politics, where leadership confidence, organisational clarity, and perceived stability play decisive roles. Whether the Thackeray faction can arrest further exits and reassert its influence will be closely watched in the coming months, as the battle for political relevance intensifies across Maharashtra.

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