Vilas Shinde Joins Shinde Group: Major Political Setback for Uddhav Sena in Nashik

In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming local body elections, the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray-led Shiv Sena has suffered a major blow in Nashik. Former metropolitan chief Vilas Shinde has officially joined the Shiv Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with a large contingent of his supporters.

The switch was announced on Saturday in a high-profile event that also witnessed the defection of six former corporators, four Zilla Parishad members, six former Panchayat Samiti members, and nearly 40 sarpanchs. Several key office-bearers of the Uddhav Sena’s organizational structure have also joined the Shinde group, signaling a deepening crisis within the Thackeray faction in the region.

Second Major Blow After Badgujar’s Exit

This is the second high-profile defection in less than a week. Just days ago, Sudhakar Badgujar, deputy leader of the Uddhav Sena and a close confidant of Sanjay Raut, shook the party ranks by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Vilas Shinde’s move now compounds the troubles for the Thackeray camp and is seen as a major political upheaval in Nashik.

Meetings and Ouster

According to sources, Vilas Shinde had met Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde twice in recent weeks, hinting at his intentions to defect. He also reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the party leadership during media interactions. The very same night, Uddhav Sena MP Sanjay Raut swiftly removed Shinde from the post of Metropolitan Chief, appointing Mama Rajwade as his replacement.

Challenges Ahead for Uddhav Sena

This political exodus is being seen as a major challenge for the Thackeray group, especially with local elections on the horizon. The large-scale defection highlights internal discord and poses a serious threat to the party’s grassroots support in Nashik. On the other hand, the Eknath Shinde faction is leveraging the move as part of its strategy for political expansion and consolidation across the state.

With the balance of power shifting in Nashik, all eyes are now on how the Uddhav faction will respond to these growing internal rifts.