The difficulties for the MVA in Maharashtra are not taking any break, from Sharad Pawar meeting Deputy CM Eknath Shinde to senior leaders leaving the party. And in this streak the Shiv Sena (UBT) suffered another major jolt as senior leader and three-term legislator Rajan Salvi officially joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Salvi, a significant political figure in the Konkan region, had been unhappy with his treatment within the party after his defeat in the 2024 Assembly elections from the Rajapur constituency. His resignation as the deputy leader of Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday was a precursor to this high-profile switch.
“I am Balasaheb Thackeray’s beloved Shiv Sainik. I have done the work as he had intended to date and will carry forward his ideology,” said Mr. Salvi, reaffirming his loyalty to the party’s original ideals under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
A Strategic Move Under ‘Operation Tiger’
According to sources within the Shiv Sena, Salvi’s switch was part of ‘Operation Tiger’—an effort by the Shinde camp to lure more leaders from the Uddhav Thackeray faction. The operation has already seen several defections, particularly after the 2024 Assembly election results, which dealt a significant blow to the Shiv Sena (UBT). Many leaders and workers, fearing a bleak future, have been aligning themselves with the Shinde-led faction.
Rajan Salvi made his move official at an event in Thane in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, Industry Minister Uday Samant, and other key party leaders. Interestingly, Samant and his brother, Kiran Samant—who defeated Salvi in the 2024 Assembly elections—played a crucial role in facilitating the transition. The Samant brothers assured Shinde that Salvi would be integrated into the party’s development plans for Rajapur and given a significant role in the party organization.
A Counter to Uday Samant’s Influence
Rajan Salvi is a prominent figure in the Konkan region, and his induction into the Shinde camp is seen as a strategic move to counter the influence of Uday Samant, who wields considerable clout in Ratnagiri. While Samant remains a Shiv Sena leader, he is believed to be close to Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP.
Interestingly, Samant himself had been under the radar of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). In 2022, he was issued summons, which he claimed was politically motivated due to his loyalty to Uddhav Thackeray. Now, with Salvi joining the rival camp, the political dynamics of the Konkan region are expected to shift significantly.
Speculations and Allegations
Mr. Salvi’s decision to join the Shinde camp comes despite his recent assurances to Uddhav Thackeray that he would stay with Shiv Sena (UBT). The switch has fueled speculations that he sought relief from ongoing ACB investigations related to property matters.
Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraj Desai says, “Rajan Salvi said that he wants to stay with Shiv Sena’s side, which has the symbol of bow and arrow, and that side is being led by Eknath Shinde. Henceforth, he will be working in Shiv Sena from now on.”
#WATCH | Mumbai | Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraj Desai says, “Rajan Salvi said that he wants to stay with Shiv Sena’s side, which has the symbol of bow and arrow, and that side is being led by Eknath Shinde. Henceforth, he will be working in Shiv Sena from now on.” pic.twitter.com/gsygwEBRdC
— ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2025
Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Bhaskar Jadhav expressed disappointment over Salvi’s exit, stating that he should have remained loyal to the party instead of crossing over to the Shinde faction. Meanwhile, former MP and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Vinayak Raut, whom Salvi blamed for his electoral defeat, dismissed the allegations.
