Patil, who was recently nominated as the Sangli Lok Sabha candidate by the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) under the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, is now set to switch sides—a move that has stirred the political landscape of Maharashtra.
Shirsat made the announcement during a press conference held on Wednesday, saying, “Chandrahar Patil will join the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday. Today, no one is willing to stay with Uddhav Thackeray. He should focus on his own party instead.” Shirsat further claimed that several more leaders are expected to join the Shinde faction by the end of June.
The development has added to the political turmoil within the opposition camp. Chandrahar Patil’s candidacy from Sangli was announced unilaterally by the Uddhav Thackeray faction, reportedly without consulting Congress or other alliance partners, sparking internal dissent. This led Congress leader Vishal Patil to rebel, contest the election as an independent, and ultimately secure victory. Sources suggest that Chandrahar Patil was deeply dissatisfied with how the situation unfolded.
Against this backdrop, Patil met Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Kudal on April 26, reportedly facilitated by Minister Uday Samant. Though Patil initially claimed the meeting was “work-related,” it is now confirmed that he is joining the Shinde camp. Patil also met Uday Samant separately after the initial meeting, further solidifying speculation about his switch.
The episode is being seen as a major political blow to Uddhav Thackeray, with political observers highlighting it as a sign of growing discontent within the Maha Vikas Aghadi. Sanjay Shirsat’s provocative remarks have only intensified the political heat, with discussions gaining momentum in state political circles.
As Chandrahar Patil’s formal induction into the Shinde faction approaches, the political scenario in Maharashtra is expected to become even more volatile in the coming days.