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Maharashtra

Sachin Ahir quits SS(UBT), cites ‘unavoidable circumstances’ for his resignation

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Mumbai, June 30: Immediately after filing his nomination papers for the post of Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson, ‘rebel’ legislator Sachin Ahir sent his official resignation letter to Uddhav Thackeray, stepping down from all key responsibilities within the Shiv Sena (UBT), including his leadership roles in influential labour unions.

In his letter, Ahir, who defected and shifted his loyalty to Shiv Sena chief leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, cited “unavoidable circumstances” for his sudden departure.

“I am writing to respectfully inform you that I, Sachin Ahir, am currently serving as the General Secretary of the Bharatiya Kamgar Sena and the President of the Brihanmumbai BEST Kamgar Sena. I am deeply grateful to you and the party for the trust you reposed in me and for providing me the opportunity to work in these capacities. However, due to certain unavoidable circumstances, I am resigning from my posts in the Bharatiya Kamgar Sena and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) party,” said Ahir.

He further added, “I humbly request you to accept my resignation. I pray that the trust and affection you have always shown toward me remain unchanged. My best wishes will always be there for the bright future of the party.”

Ahir’s exit robs the Thackeray faction of a vital face in Mumbai’s urban politics and trade union leadership. As the head of the BEST labour union and a key figure in the Bharatiya Kamgar Sena, Ahir held immense sway over Mumbai’s working-class vote bank.

Insiders suggest that shifting ground realities within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition made future prospects look bleak for Ahir under the UBT banner, prompting his switch to the ruling alliance to secure his political future. Ahir’s move is being seen as a crushing blow to Shiv Sena(UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray, given that Ahir was considered a shadow-like confidant to Aaditya.

Until Tuesday morning, intense speculation was underway within the ruling Mahayuti alliance regarding who the Shinde-led Shiv Sena would field for the Deputy Chairman position.

However, the political landscape shifted dramatically when visuals emerged of Sachin Ahir filing his nomination form. The high-profile filing took place in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Dy CM Eknath Shinde, former Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe, and State Minister Chandrakant Patil.

Shiv Sena minister and spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat clarified that this was not merely a tactical crossover for an election, but a formal induction into the party. “Sachin Ahir has not just changed sides; he has officially entered the Shiv Sena,” he announced.

Sachin Ahir, early this morning, contacted Aaditya Thackeray and explained his stance regarding leaving the party.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve told reporters, “Sachin Ahir messaged me in English at 11:30 a.m. today saying that he was making some decisions to protect his political existence. We were together until last night and left this place together. We will have to see why he took such a decision. Worli belongs to the Shiv Sena; Sunil Shinde became an MLA only after defeating Sachin Ahir. Under such circumstances, his departure won’t make any difference. UBT has filed the nomination of J.M. Abhyankar for the post of Deputy Chairperson,” he stated.

Political analysts view this as the second phase of Dy CM Shinde’s strategy to dismantle the Thackeray faction’s base. This move follows closely on the heels of Dy CM Shinde successfully poaching six Lok Sabha MPs from the Thackeray camp, an offensive dubbed Operation Tiger. Ironically, this latest blow lands just as Uddhav Thackeray wrapped up a regional tour intended to consolidate his base against those rebel MPs.

Meanwhile, Senior BJP leader and State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule launched a blistering attack on Uddhav Thackeray, attributing the collapse of his faction to internal arrogance. “Uddhav Thackeray’s party has decayed solely because of his arrogant language. He and his people need to shed this ego,” Bawankule told reporters.

Responding to allegations of poaching, Bawankule explicitly distanced the BJP from the strategy. “The Bharatiya Janata Party has absolutely nothing to do with this operation. Eknath Shinde is expanding his own party, and Uddhav Thackeray needs to learn how to manage his own people instead of blaming others.”

Bawankule also took a sharp swipe at Thackeray’s chief spokesperson, Sanjay Raut, blaming the camp’s daily morning press conferences for shifting focus away from actual party management.

“They are only interested in hogging media space every morning. Nobody actually cares about holding the party together. Their core ideology has been sold out, and these defections are the direct consequence of that,” he added.

As Uddhav Thackeray travels across the state rallying support through his ‘Operation Tiger’ campaign, Shinde’s counter-strike right inside the Thackeray bastion of Worli has fundamentally altered the political calculus ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

Maharashtra

Political parties should cooperate in the process of Special Revision (SIR) of voter lists: District Election Officer and Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide

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Mumbai: As per the instructions of the Election Commission of India, the process of Special In-depth Revision (SIR) of Voter Lists is underway in the Mumbai region (Mumbai city and suburbs) under the programme. Political parties should cooperate in the various processes going on in this regard. In addition, District Election Officer and Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has appealed to the public to assist in the house visits of Polling Station Level Officers (BLOs) from June 30 to July 29, 2026 to ensure maximum counting. To provide information about the Special In-depth Revision of Voter Lists programme, a meeting of representatives of various political parties was held today (June 30, 2026) at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Headquarters under the chairmanship of the District Election Officer and Municipal Commissioner.

Deputy Mayor Sanjay Gadi, Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) and Additional District Election Officer Prajakta Verma-Laungare, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs) and Additional District Election Officer Dr. Vipin Sharma, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) and Additional District Election Officer Abhijeet Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) and Additional District Election Officer Dr. Avinash Dhakane, District Collector (Mumbai City District) and Additional District Election Officer SMS. Aanchal Goyal, Joint Commissioner (Tax Assessment and Collection) Mr. Vishwas Shankarwar etc. were present on the occasion. Representatives of various political parties were also present. District Election Officer and Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide further said that the Polling Station Level Officers (BLOs) will visit the house between June 30 and July 29, 2026. Voters are expected to provide necessary information to the concerned BLOs. The aim of this entire process is that no eligible voter is left out and no ineligible person is included. Therefore, Smt. Bhide has appealed to all political parties to cooperate in this process. The representatives of political parties were provided with detailed information about the process, schedule and action taken under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Voter List Programme. Apart from this, various issues raised by the representatives of political parties were discussed.

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Maharashtra

Commenting on Sachin Ahir’s departure, Aaditya Thackeray said, “This is not ‘Operation Tiger’; it is ‘Operation Fadnavis’.”

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“What is happening with the TMC is exactly what happened to us earlier. Had we received justice sooner, this situation would not have arisen. This is not merely about political parties; it concerns the state of the entire Constitution. The BJP is disrespecting the Constitution. We expect the judiciary to uphold it. This is not ‘Operation Tiger’; it is ‘Operation Devendra Fadnavis’. Their ‘Pappu’ is being cut down to size.”

“Observe their body language when they witness the strength of the RCM. This might well be their last session; they could now be sent to the Union Cabinet.”

“Whenever a rebellion occurs, the core issue remains: what was your standing? If you were made an MLA, your daughter was given a place on a committee, and your brother was assigned a key committee, then, on moral grounds, you ought to have remained loyal to your party. How can one lack even that basic sense of morality? There are people whose hearts change. What reasons will they offer? Let us discuss where we might have fallen short; let them be invited here. We are not people who believe in superstition; we believe in the Constitution.”

“The 2029 election poses the biggest challenge for the BJP. The BJP built its politics around Hindutva, involving all of us. They instigated riots and organized Rath Yatras centered on the Ram Mandir issue. Yet, the BJP and its members are now stealing land and committing scams in Ayodhya. Today, one can expect nothing from this BJP. Their Chief Minister is personally tampering with the master plan in Ujjain and engaging in corruption.”

“To all the MLAs and MPs currently aligned with the BJP, I say this: in the upcoming parliamentary session, ask them how the corruption in Ujjain occurred, what corruption took place in Ayodhya, and why the scam was perpetrated. Why were the sentiments of Hindus toyed with?”

“Today, I want to ask those wishing to join the BJP: people will inevitably question why you elevated those very leaders—who faced allegations of corruption—to the positions of MPs and ministers.” Is this the same BJP that used to claim to be against corruption?

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Maharashtra

Action should be taken against illegal dance bars in Bhiwandi, demand that the responsibility of supply be given to another company instead of Tournet: Raees Sheikh

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Mumbai: In the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Raees Sheikh demanded action against illegal bars in Bhiwandi Rural and sought the attention of the state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the matter and said that bars remain open throughout the night in Bhiwandi and this area has become a den of crime. An increase in crime incidents has also been recorded here. When a complaint is made to the police in this matter, the police reply that this area is covered by the working class, therefore, food hotels and tea houses remain open at night. If hotels or food centers remain open throughout the night, then rules and regulations should be framed for this as well. Meanwhile, due to the start of dance bars throughout the night, this area has become a center of crime, therefore attention should be paid to this. On which Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured Raees Sheikh of action. At the same time, Raees Sheikh focused the Chief Minister’s attention on the electricity companies in Bhiwandi and said that Bhiwandi is home to powerloom industries and the people are worried about Torrent’s extortion because they are unable to pay the bills due to the increase in the rate of bills. The responsibility of electricity in Bhiwandi should be provided to other companies. Tata Power and Adani can also be brought to Bhiwandi. Along with this, this responsibility can be given to other companies by removing the Torrent company. Along with this, the people and businessmen of Bhiwandi have also demanded concession and subsidy in electricity bills, on which the Chief Minister said that positive steps will be taken on this. Along with this, necessary orders have also been issued regarding the electricity bill. Along with this, Raees Sheikh said that Torrent Power Company has a strange role. If any electricity is stolen, it makes others pay for it. Someone else uses the electricity and someone else pays for it. Where is the justice in this, to which the Chief Minister has assured to give necessary attention.

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