Former MLA Rajan Salvi, who has been the subject of considerable political buzz in recent months, has resigned from his position as the deputy leader of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena following his defeat in the assembly elections. Sources reveal that Salvi is set to join Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena soon. This unexpected political move has come as a shock to Thackeray's camp in Konkan. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has responded to the development.
Leaders, office-bearers, workers, and former corporators from across the state have been joining the Shiv Sena-Shinde group, while the Thackeray group continues to face defections. Despite Uddhav Thackeray's preparation to contest the municipal elections independently, the Thackeray group's support seems to be dwindling. If this trend persists, the upcoming civic polls may pose a major challenge. Eknath Shinde responded to the media after Rajan Salvi's resignation.
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Eknath Shinde welcomed the recent resignations and defections, stating, "Those who come are welcome." He spoke about the influx of MLAs, MPs, corporators, Zilla Parishad members, leaders, office-bearers, and workers joining the Shiv Sena in the past two-and-a-half years. Shinde emphasized that all of them are committed to advancing Balasaheb's vision and strengthening the Shiv Sena. He further stated that the government formed under Balasaheb's principles has showcased its work over the last two-and-a-half years.
Rumors of Rajan Salvi's defection had circulated after his assembly election loss, but he initially denied them. Despite remaining loyal to Thackeray after the Shiv Sena split, Salvi was reportedly unhappy with local party leadership. He has now resigned as deputy leader of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and is expected to join Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena on Thursday afternoon in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister. However, there are concerns over the Samant brothers' dissatisfaction with Salvi's entry into the party, and it remains to be seen how Shinde will handle the situation.