Rajan Salvi has resigned from the post of deputy leader of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena after losing the Maharashtra assembly elections, bringing an end to months of speculation. According to sources, the former MLA is expected to join Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena soon. This political development comes as a major setback for Thackeray in the Konkan region.
Even after his defeat in the Assembly elections, speculation about Rajan Salvi’s defection persisted, though he repeatedly denied it. A staunch loyalist of Matoshree, Salvi remained with Uddhav Thackeray’s faction even after the Shiv Sena split. However, sources suggest he was discontented with a local party leader, which may have influenced his decision to step down as deputy leader.
Rajan Salvi has stepped down as the deputy leader of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and is likely to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, sources said. According to reports, he will formally join the party on Thursday afternoon in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Salvi, a former MLA from Rajapur in Ratnagiri district, faced defeat in the 2024 Assembly elections. Despite this, he holds significant influence in Rajapur, Lanja, and Sakharpa, where a large section of the population continues to support him.