A significant political development has emerged from Thane district in Maharashtra. Kalyan city has experienced a major setback for the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction), with numerous party officials and workers resigning and joining the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction).
Mumbai: Maharashtra’s political landscape witnessed another major development. The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) suffered a considerable blow in Kalyan, Thane district, when hundreds of party officials and workers left the party and aligned themselves with the faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This event not only raises questions about the internal state of the Shiv Sena at the local and state levels but also highlights the ongoing power struggle within the party.
Operation Tiger’s Grip Strengthens
This collective resignation and joining of the Shinde faction is widely considered to be part of Eknath Shinde’s ‘Operation Tiger.’ This campaign, particularly aimed at weakening the Thackeray faction and strengthening the party’s grip at the grassroots level, is a strategic move. A large event was held in Kalyan, where MLA Vishal Bhuire welcomed all these workers formally.
Vishal Bhuire stated that the working style, transparency, and dedication to public service of Eknath Shinde and his son, Shrikanth Shinde, have impressed people. “The UBT senior officials and dedicated workers who have joined us today are a symbol of this change,” he said.
Why is this Event Significant in Kalyan?
Kalyan, a crucial political center in Thane district, has long been a bhold of the Shiv Sena. Following the 2022 split within the Shiv Sena, the Thackeray faction attempted to maintain its base here. However, the large number of people switching allegiance clearly indicates that even the ground-level workers are now dissatisfied with the Thackeray faction.
Following the Shiv Sena’s split, the Uddhav Thackeray faction has already faced a setback from the Election Commission regarding the party’s name and election symbol. Subsequently, the Thackeray faction has been continuously struggling to strengthen its organizational structure. However, the Shinde faction’s influence is steadily growing, particularly in areas like Thane, Nashik, and Marathwada. This event represents another step in that direction.
Congress Also Suffered a Setback on June 18
This is not the first time that prominent leaders and workers have switched parties in Maharashtra’s political landscape. On June 18, the Congress suffered a significant setback in Sangli district, when Jayashree Patil, the wife of Vasanta Dada Patil, joined the BJP with hundreds of supporters. CM Devendra Fadnavis and BJP state president Chandrasekhar Bawankule were also present at the event.
Jayashree Patil’s departure from the Congress was symbolic and also allowed the BJP to stake a claim to the Maratha voter base. Vasanta Dada Patil was a popular and influential leader in Maharashtra. His family’s shift from Congress could reshape the political equations.
Political analysts believe that Maharashtra’s politics is currently undergoing a period of “internal reorganization.” Whether it’s the Shinde faction, the BJP led by Fadnavis, or the NCP’s factional equations – all parties are gearing up for the upcoming 2026 local body elections and the subsequent 2029 assembly elections.
