Big Blow to Uddhav Thackeray as Senior Leaders Join Shiv Sena Eknath Shinde Faction

Uddhav Thackeray faces a major political setback as two senior leaders and several party workers quit and join the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde.

December 21, 2025 | Mumbai – Maharashtra politics witnessed another major realignment on December 21, 2025, as Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray suffered a significant setback with two senior leaders and several party workers switching allegiance to the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The development has intensified political churn in the state and added momentum to the Shinde faction’s ongoing expansion drive.

According to political sources, the leaders who resigned from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena cited dissatisfaction with party leadership, lack of clarity in decision-making, and limited opportunities for grassroots workers as key reasons behind their move. Their induction into the Shinde faction took place in the presence of senior party functionaries, sending a strong political message amid continuing competition between the two Shiv Sena groups.

The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has been consistently working to strengthen its organizational structure across Maharashtra, particularly by attracting experienced leaders from rival camps. Party insiders believe that the latest entrants bring considerable local influence and organizational strength, which could prove crucial in upcoming local body elections and future electoral battles. The Shinde faction has projected these defections as proof of growing acceptance of its leadership and governance approach.

For the Uddhav Thackeray-led camp, the exits are being viewed as a serious challenge at a time when the party is attempting to consolidate its cadre after the split. Since losing control of the original party name and symbol, Shiv Sena (UBT) has focused on rebuilding its base through aggressive outreach and opposition politics. However, repeated defections of senior leaders and workers have raised concerns about internal stability and morale within the party.

Political analysts note that such defections often have a ripple effect, especially at the district and taluka levels. When influential leaders change sides, local workers and supporters frequently follow, weakening the organizational strength of the parent party. With several civic and municipal elections expected in the near future, these shifts could significantly impact electoral equations in key regions of Maharashtra.

Reacting to the development, leaders from the Shinde faction stated that the doors of the party remain open for those who believe in developmental politics and stable governance. They claimed that many more leaders from the opposition are in touch and may join in the coming weeks. While such assertions are common in political discourse, recent developments have added weight to these claims.

On the other hand, leaders close to Uddhav Thackeray have downplayed the defections, arguing that ideological loyalty cannot be measured by numbers alone. They maintained that the party continues to enjoy strong support among traditional Shiv Sena voters and that such political moves are often driven by short-term calculations rather than long-term commitment.

The defections have also sparked fresh debate about the evolving power balance within Maharashtra politics. With the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde), and the NCP Ajit Pawar group forming the ruling alliance, internal competition and strategic positioning remain visible. Observers believe that the coming months will be crucial in determining how these dynamics shape the broader political narrative.

As Maharashtra heads toward a series of important elections, the setback to Uddhav Thackeray and the corresponding gain for Eknath Shinde underline the fluid and competitive nature of state politics. Leadership, organizational strength, and the ability to retain cadre support are likely to play a decisive role in shaping the future political landscape.

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